Frank Lampard Out of Euro 2012

Frank Lampard has been ruled out of Euro 2012

Unfortunate rumors became confirmed bad news for England and Chelsea fans today as midfielder Frank Lampard was officially ruled out of the upcoming European Championships with a thigh injury.  The 34 year old Chelsea man sustained the injury in practice on Wednesday, and went in for a scan on Thursday.  The scan revealed the extent of the injury and ruled him out of the England squad.

This is the second huge injury loss for Roy Hodgson's side in the midfield before the tournament even starts.  Manchester City's Gareth Berry suffered a stomach injury in England's friendly win over Norway last week.  Hodgson has called in Liverpool's Jordan Henderson to replace Lampard, pending UEFA approval.

Lampard suffered the injury on only his second day of training after joining the national side late after Chelsea's Champions League win over Bayern Munich.

Hodgson is quoted as saying:

"The fact that the doctor cannot guarantee Frank could take part in any of the group matches means we have to replace him in the central midfield area. Apart from it being a huge blow to me and the team, I'm especially disappointed for Frank himself. He has been in very good form and was looking forward to the tournament."

Sloppy Defending Dooms USA to 1-4 Loss Against Brazil

Landon Donovan heads over Brazil's Thiago Silva (AP Photo)

If this international friendly against Brazil was going to be the true test of the USA Men's National Team after their drubbing of Scotland, it was one they failed fairly miserably.  It turns out that kicking the tails of a Scotland team that's hardly played together is a lot easier than going up against Brazil.  Honestly, there were a few bright spots the USA can take out of this, but there were also some pretty big failings exposed too.

After an initial period of trading possession by both sides, Brazil got down to business and got on the board first.  In the 10th minute Leandro sent in a shot that was blocked by USA defender Oguchi Onyewu.  Unfortunately, his arm was slightly out from his side, and the ball struck it, so the referee awarded a penalty kick.  Neymar easily tucked the kick past Tim Howard to make it 0-1 to Brazil.

After the goal, the USA found it tough to get any traction with the ball as the Brazilians started to play their possession game.  More bad news for the USA came in the 26th minute when Neymar sent in a gorgeous corner kick.  It was so gorgeous in fact, that the USA defenders stood around and watched it.  Thiago Silva sprang fee and headed the ball into the net to make it 0-2.

At that point, it looked pretty bleak for the bewildered USA side.  However, they did manage to create some hope right before halftime.  In the 45th minute Michael Bradley slipped a nice entry ball to Fabian Johnson, who drifted an easy cross over to Herculez Gomez.  The Santos Laguna striker headed in the goal to make it 1-2 going into the break.

It didn't take long for the Brazilians to reestablish their 2 goal advantage in the second half though.  In the 52nd minute Neymar torched the USA defense as Onyewu looked on cluelessly.  He easily passed to Real Madrid's Marcelo, who who promptly slotted the ball into the bottom corner of the goal to make it 1-3.  It was like shooting the proverbial fish in the barrel.

The USA did create multiple chances in the second half, despite the deficit.  In the 63rd minute Gomez headed a ball toward goal.  Clint Dempsey tried to touch it in but barely missed it.  Then in the 77th minute both Gomez and Terrance Boyd forced two great saves out of the Brazilain 'keeper.  Finally in the 85th Onyewu almost atoned for his earlier mistakes, getting his head on a corner, but his shot deflected off the crossbar and away from danger.

Brazil would get one more goal and rub it into the US a little bit.  In the 87th minute Onyewu kept a streaking Marcelo run onside, and he promptly dished to AC Milan's Pato, who slotted home the final tally of the match to make it 1-4 at full time.

So about those bright spots?  Herculez Gomez was certainly one.  He scored a goal and certainly could have had at least one more.  He'll need to string a couple of games like this to be really convincing, but I think he can do it.  Michael Bradley had another great game for the USA as well, and it was nice to see Clint Dempsey get some minutes after his groin injury.

The central defense was atrocious though, particularly Onyewu.  It was a total nightmare for him.  To be fair, both he and Bocanegra seemed way too slow on the night and the Brazilians picked them apart rather easily.  The backline used to be a strength of the USA, but the abysmal play tonight showed a lot of cracks.  At this rate, we're obviously going to have trouble against any team with an average ability to create and finish.  Obviously Brazil is above average in both departments.  It was all too easy for them.

Real Salt Lake Lays Massive Egg in US Open Cup Play

Well what to say about that stinker of a match last night?  If you follow my Twitter stream (@BrandonLBC) you've already seen most of what I have to say.  Some of it was useful, factual criticism and some of it was just the ramblings of a stark, raving mad supporter.

Call me a nay-sayer, but I tweeted after RSL bought this match that it would sure be embarrassing if they lost.  Not only did they lose, but they got outplayed by a lower division side that was every bit the better club last night.  In the end, it was rather like paying somebody to come to your house and beat the crap out of you.

Minnesota Stars FC took the lead in the 4th minute after an impressive set piece goal.  Kyle Reynish did a decent job of punching the ball away, but the defense engaged in a fair bit of ball watching instead of clearing.  Luis Gil managed to equalize in the 29th minute after a quickly taken RSL set piece, but Minnestoa took the lead again right before halftime, scoring a PK after a Jamison Olave handball in the box.  Stars FC iced the match in the 58th minute to make full time score 3-1.

Now for some thoughts.  I don't believe this match was Kyle Reynish's fault. He was really shaky in places to be sure, but the first two Minnesota goals happened right in front of me, and neither were his fault.  He punched away the free kick that lead to the first goal, and it's incumbent upon his defense to clear the lines.  I don't think he could have caught the ball the cleanly.  The penalty kick was obviously on Olave, not Reynish.  The third goal happened at the other end of the ground, so I'm not sure, but at that point RSL was already in the tank as far as I was concerned.

I would argue that most of the RSL players took the night off, and I'm talking about the guys on the pitch, not the ones on the bench or away with national team duty.  I'd say that Luis Gil, Ned Grabavoy, and Kyle Reynish put forth the required effort, though Reynish was obviously low on confidence.  I'd venture a guess that most of the rest of the guys either horribly underestimated Minnesota (the reigning NASL champs) or just totally mailed it in.  Both Borchers and Olave had multiple headed chances on goal in the second half, none of them near the target.  Paulo Jr had a couple really good looks, again not on frame.  Meanwhile Minnesota was allowed to easily take advantage of almost every opportunity they had.

Here's my thing: I can handle it when my club loses.  What makes me very angry as a supporter is when they don't bother to show up and turn in an ugly performance like that.   The RSL front office put out money for this and issued a call for the fans to show up.  17,000 plus fans did exactly that on a Tuesday night, on only six days notice.  It was a record for the tournament at this stage.  My guess is a lot of those folks won't be coming back.  They may have been casual fans, but their dollars are worth the same to the club as the supporters money, especially when they're out trying to buy matches.

Let me say this in closing though, I still believe in my team and in Jason Kreis.  Kreis was quoted after the match last night as saying that it wasn't going to be a good time to be a player under him, and I'm sure he is not understating that.  My guess is that practice and training over the next couple of weeks is going to be pretty miserable for those guys that played last night.    I have every confidence that he's already addressing the myriad of issues that RSL were faced with last night and moving to fix them.

In the end, props to Minnesota Stars FC, who were the better team last night.  They turned in a class performance and I'll be pulling for them to win the Cup!

Opinion: The US Open Cup is Still Broken

Earlier in the year, US Soccer introduced some very nice changes to the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.  Among those changes was the addition of a regular draw procedure in some rounds instead of the past format where teams basically submitted bids to US Soccer for the rights to host these matches.  This seemed like a positive change, and the people rejoiced!

Then last week after the second round results were complete, some things got stirred up again.  Three time defending Champions Seattle Sounders announced that instead of playing the Atlanta Silverbacks in Atlanta as the draw had specified, they had purchased the rights to host the match in Washington, though not at Century Link.  Many of us, including myself, took some not so polite jabs at our Sounders friends on twitter as it appeared they were once again trying to buy the US Open Cup and the accompanying birth in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Then some other information emerged.  Turns out Portland Timbers had made an effort to buy their 3rd round game as well, however after Eric Wynalda's Cal FC emerged victorious, the match ended up being scheduled in Portland anyway.  Ah, the shenanigans of those Cascadia teams!

Then something very interesting crossed the Real Salt Lake official Twitter feed.  RSL was scheduled to play Minnesota Stars FC in Minnesota in the 3rd round.  However, they also announced that they had purchased the rights to hold the match, and it is now scheduled to go down tonight at Rio Tinto Stadium.  Turns out I had to eat my words to my Sounders friends.

It also turns out to be totally within the rules of the new format.  Teams don't pay US Soccer for these matches anymore, but they can basically make an offer to the team drawn to host, and if the team accepts the offer, they can sell that right to the other team.

I call BS on that.

First off, let me say that I do understand why Seattle and RSL went this route.  They want to win, and they want to do everything possible within the rules to make it happen.  Both of these sides take the CONCACAF Champions League seriously and want to punch their tickets to next years tournament early.  Plus, hey, it's hardware, and the awesome thing about soccer is that there is this chance to win multiple trophies.  So, I've toned down my stance against the teams actually buying these matches.  Suffice it to say, I'm still a bit cynical though.

You see, I'm a Eurosnob when it comes to footy.  I admit that in the interest of full disclosure.  I love the FA Cup, next to the UEFA Champions League, it's my favorite sporting event of the year.  Part of the wonder of the FA Cup is the fact that later in the tournament, when the Championship and Premiership sides enter the fray, they may end up playing at some non-league ground somewhere.  Some of the greatest upsets in the tournament's long and storied history have happened in these settings.

It's a treat to see these non league or lower league stadiums packed to the gills with their own fans, but also the traveling fans from the big clubs, who come into town spending money on food and perhaps lodging.  I would love to see the US Open Cup go this direction: A total blind draw complete with the ping bong balls and the whole set up.  Since we don't have a national stadium, I would advocate a 2-legged final much like they do with the Canadian Championship.

Let's be honest though. If RSL had played in Minnesota tonight, it's highly doubtful that RSL supporters would pack the Stars' ground like Manchester United supporters might pack a League 2 ground in England.  It wouldn't be quite the same feel.  However I believe that it would definitely be within the spirit of tournaments like this and promoting the lower leagues in the US Soccer Pyramid to have a draw and require the sides to stick to it.  If a big MLS side has a problem with that, feel free not to enter.

I don't think that this will happen anytime soon.  I really hope it does, because it's my personal opinion that allowing teams to buy matches cheapens a tournament of any kind.  Sides like Real Salt Lake and Seattle usually hold a pretty tough home field advantage.  I realize that in this case it was Atlanta and Minnesota's choice to go to these places and play, but again, I think it would be in the competitive interests of all the leagues to stick with the draw.  It would also give the fans in other cities a chance to see MLS clubs play live which for the most part, can only be good for the sport.

Alas, soccer in the US doesn't appear to be at that point yet, though I hope it gets there someday soon.  For tonight, I'll be at the RioT supporting my Real Salt Lake, even though I said I wouldn't in last week's twitter tantrum.  I'm not happy with the rules, but I will still show up to support my team and hope that it changes in the future.

Campbell's Comments Cast Shadow Over Euro 2012

Former England International Sol Campbell has warned fans off of Euro 2012 (sun.co.uk)

More controversy about the worlds of racism and football as the two collide before the upcoming Euro 2012 tournament in Poland and the Ukraine.  Former England International and Arsenal player Sol Campbell has warned England supporters to stay away from the matches.  Campbell told the BBC, ''Stay at home, watch it on TV. Don't even risk it ... because you could end up coming back in a coffin.''

Campbell's comments come with a BBC program called "Panorama" on which he viewed fans from Poland and the Ukraine giving Nazi salutes and taunting black players by making monkey noises.  More footage was shown of Asian students being penned in and attacked at one of the stadiums that will be used a venue for the tournament.  Campbell also made the comment that he did not think that Poland and the Ukraine should have been awarded the tournament since they appear to have these issues.

''What they should say is, `If you want this tournament, you sort your problems out. Until we see a massive improvement ... you do not deserve these prestigious tournaments in your country.'"

These comments come on the heels of the families of England's Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain indicating that they will probably not travel to the tournament for fear of racist abuse.  English FA chairman David Bernstein has also expressed his concerns to UEFA President Michael Platini.  According to these concerns, an anti-racism group investigated allegations in Poland and the Ukraine and found 195 different racist incidents at matches in the host countries in an 18 month period ending in March 2011.

UEFA has had this to say about the allegations:

"The tournament clearly creates an opportunity to address and confront such societal issues. UEFA's `zero tolerance' approach to racism is still valid both on and off the pitch and ultimately the referee has the power to stop or abandon a match should racist incidents occur.''

All of England's group stage matches will be in the Ukraine, and the FA has reiterated the fact the referees will have the power to stop matches if racism ends up being an issue.  The British Police will also have a presence at the tournament.

These allegations have been getting a lot of play in England.  It'll be interesting to see how different representatives from England, UEFA, and the host countries address these comments and the underlying issues in the coming days.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this entry.

Match Thoughts: DC United vs New England Revolution

DC keeper Bill Hamid celebrates after the conclusion of the match (Getty Images)

First place in the Eastern Conference was up for grabs Saturday afternoon as DC United took on the New England Revolution.  A win for United would move them ahead of New York and Sporting KC for top spot.  The Revs needed 3 points to try to close the gap opening up between them and the middle of the Eastern table; Houston, Columbus, and Chicago.

The match was slow to get started as these oldest of MLS rivals felt each other out.  Still it was obvious that DC United had the better energy in the first half, and for the most part they were side pushing the advantage.  The first chance of the match fell to Hamdi Salihi in the 13th minute, but he watched his header go wide of the target.  United would take the lead two minutes later though.  Branko Boskovic sent a free kick into the area from distance and defender Brandon McDonald headed the ball into goal to make it 1-0 to DC United.

New England head man Jay Heaps was clearly exasperated, not only because the Revs conceded the early goal, but because the passion just didn't seem to be there in response.  It got worse for New England before halftime as well.  In the first minute of stoppage time United sent a corner kick into the six.  A scrum ensued, and DC defender Dejan Jakovic emerged and smacked the ball into the back of the net to give United the 2-0 lead going into halftime.

As the teams headed into the locker rooms, Jay Heaps got all fired up and went and screamed in the referee's face.  Apparently he gave his team the same treatment, because they came out looking like a totally different side in the 2nd half.

In the 48th minute Benny Feilhaber sent a scorching shot in at DC 'keeper Bill Hamid.  Hamid managed to parry the shot away, but the ball fell right to Saer Sene, who easily poked home the rebound to make it 2-1.  Just two minutes later, the Revs earned a corner kick, and AJ Soares headed it in for the equalizer. The teams proceeded through the next ten minutes on even ground at 2-2.

DC had one more trick up their sleeves though, and his name was Dwayne De Rosario.  In the 61st minute he penetrated the penalty area, then passed back to the top of the box where Maicon Santos was waiting.  Santos proceeded to smash the ball past Matt Reis to give DC United the 3-2 lead.

New England didn't just roll over though.  In the 90th minute Kelyn Rowe put a header on frame that looked to be the equalizer, but Hamid was able to save the shot and preserve the 3-2 win at full time.

NOTES: DC United did in fact take over first place in the east on 27 points from 15 matches. They trail only Real Salt Lake in the overall table, as RSL has 29 points from 14 matches.  Their next MLS match will be at Philadelphia on June 16.  The loss mires the Revs in 7th place, just one point ahead of the expansion Impact.  However, The Revs get a chance to make up ground as they play Chicago next weekend while the rest of the league is idle.

Match Thoughts: Real Salt Lake vs FC Dallas

Nat Borchers and Will Johnson celebrate RSL's match winner.  (Getty Images)

I apologize in advance if this entry comes across as a little homerific.  It's hard to have been there and not get caught up in the moment all over again when reflecting on it for a match review.  Both RSL and Dallas were missing some key players.  Dallas was missing Brek Shea, who was serving the last game of his suspension.  RSL were missing Javier Morales and Chris Wingert through injury, and Kyle Beckerman was away with the national team along with 'keeper Nick Rimando.

The first half was largely boring from both sides.  Keep in mind that Dallas played midweek in Chicago as well.  RSL certainly had the better of chances and possession, but it wasn't stellar at all.  The best chance came in the 12th minute when Will Johnson sent a ball into Ned Grabavoy in the 18.  Grabavoy smashed the ball at goal but Kevin Hartman was equal to it, diving to the side for a great save.

The best chance for Dallas came in the 36th minute when Jackson took a cross from Bryan Leyva and swatted it at Reynish's net, but it in the end it sailed harmlessly off target.  The half ended with both sides still scoreless.

RSL came out with better energy right away in the second half and managed to carve out some chances.  In the 47th minute Johnson sent a long range effort in, but again Kevin Hartman made the save.  In the next minute Luis Gil took his crack at goal, but watched his shot sail high.

The Claret and Cobalt finally broke the deadlock in the 59th minute.  Japanese defender Terukazu Tanaka, who started for the injured Wingert, sent a gorgeous cross into the 6 that found Alvaro Saborio making a run on goal.  Sabo got his head to it and deftly flicked the ball inside the far post to give RSL the 1-0 lead.

FC Dallas, tired and gassed from the altitude, could have packed it in but they didn't.  They managed to get some decent spells of possession all night long and caused RSL a few problems in front of goal.  They equalized in the 75th minute with a goal from Matt Hedges.  He put a right footed shot on frame after some close play in the box.  Reynish jumped and knocked the ball away, but the officials ruled that the whole of the ball crossed the line and gave FC Dallas the goal to make it 1-1.  I sit at the opposite and of the stadium, so I couldn't tell.  Plus, the only replay angle I saw afterward wasn't real conclusive either.  In the end, the goal was given, and that's what matters.

Dallas's joy didn't last long though.  Their defense seemed to switch off in the wake of the equalizer, and RSL made them pay.  In the 76th minute. Grabavoy slid a ball over to Saborio, who put in a shot on target that somehow managed to sneak by Hartman and into the near post this time to make it 2-1 RSL. 

Again Dallas kept fighting though, and they deserve a lot of credit for the spirit they showed late in the match.  In the 85th minute Jonathan Top dished to Blas Perez, who drove a shot right at Kyle Reynish in goal.  The RSL 'keeper seemed to have a bead on it but it managed to slip through his hands and into the bottom corner to equalize the match again at 2-2.

At that point some fans started to exit Rio Tinto Stadium, and I truly feel bad for them.  As the 90 expired the 4th official held up the board that indicated 4 minutes of stoppage time.  It was plenty of time for some RSL magic, and they delivered.  In the 3rd minute of stoppage the ball fell kindly to Nat Borchers in the box following a Jonny Steele free kick.  Borchers, with the finish of a skilled forward, stroked the ball into the upper 90 of the net to give RSL the 3-2 win.  I don't know about anyone else in the stadium, but our section went insane.  What a finish!

Notes:  Dallas will be happy to get Brek Shea back after the international break, since last night finished his suspension.  They are now winless in their last 9 matches and sit only ahead of the last place Galaxy in the Western Conference table.  RSL takes over first place, at least temporarily, ahead of Sunday's match between Sporting KC and San Jose.  They are unbeaten in their last six.

MLS Suspends Seattle's Alonso and LA's Jimenez

The Major League Soccer Disciplinary Committee handed down fines and suspensions to two different players today, and let another off the hook.

Seattle Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso has been suspended for Seattle's next two league matches.  Late in Wednesday's 0-2 loss to the Columbus Crew, Alonso went in on the Crew's Cole Grossman with a 2 foot, studs up tackle.  The referee did not whistle a foul on the play.  MLS said that the tackle endangered the safety of his opponent.  He will also be fined the typical "undisclosed amount."

On the LA Galaxy front, MLS suspended midfielder Hector Jimenez for a very similar tackle on San Jose’s Steven Beitashour in the second half the Galaxy's 2-3 loss to the Quakes, also Wednesday night.  Jimenez was a shown a red card on the play.  He'll miss one game for the red and one extra game for, you guessed it, "endangering the safety of his opponent."  I guess it sounds more professional than "boneheaded-hack tackle."  Oh yeah, don't forget the fine of "undisclosed amount."

However, MLS failed to punish golden boy David Beckham for his hands to the face of San Jose's Marvin Chavez late in that same match.  He was already on a yellow for handball in the box, and really should have been sent off just for the hands to the face, let alone the fact that he got in the referee's face afterward.  However, I guess that's just editorial opinion on my part.

Match Thoughts: Chicago Fire vs. FC Dallas

Chicago's Orr Barouch touches around Dallas's Bruno Guarda (Getty Images)

If last night's MLS matches were to be viewed as set of prize fights, this one would probably be billed as an undercard.  It certainly didn't have the flair of some of the other matches on paper, but it had profound significance for both clubs. Chicago needed the points to try and keep up in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference race, and FC Dallas was trying to stop their free fall out west, as they came in winless in their last seven.

The first half was rather uneventful, but Dallas had the better chances.  The Fire seemed to have some defensive issues a couple of times and the Hoops almost took advantage in the 18th minute.  Jair Benitez cleared the defense from a through ball and looked to have a good go at goal, but couldn't get his shot away.  Dallas did take the lead in the 41st minute after a corner kick though.  Bryan Leyva sent in the kick and Blas Perez headed it toward goal.  Fire 'keeper Sean Johnson saved this attempt gut gave up a rebound.  His defense went MIA as Matt Hedges headed in the rebound to give Dallas the 0-1 lead.

The Hoops couldn't hold their lead into the half though.  In the 45th minute Sebastian Grazzini took a ball outside the box and sent a brilliant drive into the top left corner.  Dallas 'keeper Kevin Hartman had no chance and the goal equalized the match at 1-1 going into halftime.

Dallas came out in an attacking mood in the second half and could have taken the lead early on.  In the 50th minute Dominic Oduro took down Bruno Guarda just inside the box and conceded a PK.  Yes, it definitely was a forward's challenge, but the contact was minimal.  Guarda was looking for it.  Blas Perez took the PK for Dallas, but Johnson guessed right, saving the kick and knocking it out to preserve the 1-1 scoreline.  

Then in minute 62, Chicago got their shot from the spot.  Zach Loyd brought down Marco Pappa in the area to concede it.  Like Johnson, Hartman saved the PK attempt from Grazzini but gave up a rebound.  Pappa came running in and banged the ball into the goal to give the Fire the 2-1 lead.  The only problem was that Pappa encroached big time.  Replays showed he came in so early he was nearly even with Grazzini when he struck the ball, however the replay also showed that the official's eyes were glued on the goal and he didn't even see Pappa.  Despite the Dallas protests, the goal would stand.

Dallas got a good look to equalize in stoppage time.  A Blas Perez rebound fell to goal scorer Hedges, who had a look at a wide open Fire goal, but this time he couldn't get a touch on it and the match finished 2-1 to the Fire.

NOTES:  FC Dallas was without Brek Shea, who is serving the 2nd of his 3 game ban.  He will also miss the match at Real Salt Lake this weekend.  They are now winless in eight matches.  They're 3rd from the bottom in the west, just two points ahead of the last place LA Galaxy.  For the Fire, it was their first win against Dallas at Toyota Park, and they will take the Brimstone Cup, as this was the only match between the two this year.

Match Thoughts: New York Red Bulls vs. Chivas USA

NY's Brandon Barklage and Chivas' Juan Pablo Angel fight for the ball (Getty Images)

One couldn't fault either New York Red Bulls or Chivas USA fans for being confident ahead of this match.  Coming in the Red Bulls had won four matches in a row and Chivas USA was coming off of a win over the LA Galaxy for the first time in five years.  Chivas was without newly acquired star forward Juan Agudelo as he is away with the national team, but they did have former Red Bulls man Juan Pablo Angel, and he had a big night.

Chivas had the first chance of the match in the second minute when Nick LaBrocca sent a shot in that was well saved by Ryan Meara.  However, a short time later LaBrocca went down with an apparent hamstring injury and was subbed off.

After the initial exchanges New York took charge for awhile and looked pretty good doing it.  Thierry Henry got the ball after Chivas turned it over in their own end on 12 minutes, but sent his shot wide.  Kenny Cooper let a drive a go in the 19th, but hit it right at Dan Kennedy in goal.

The best chance of the half ended up falling to Angel and Chivas USA though.  In the 25th minute the former Aston Villa man got a great look, but hammered his shot off the post.  Roy Miller would have a good look for the Red Bulls in the 40th, but coming into the six he faced a tough angle and elected to shoot instead of make the easy pass.   The ball rolled harmlessly wide of the far post and the teams went to halftime still at 0-0.

Business picked up right away in the second half though.  Chivas sent in a corner kick in the 47th minute that found the head of center back Rauwshan McKenzie.  McKenzie headed it down, and Juan Pablo Angel pulled a nice overhead/scorpion type kick out of his bag of tricks and sent the ball flying into the Red Bulls' net to make it 0-1 to the Goats.

The Red Bulls did respond though as they started to push for the equalizer almost right away.  Henry had a nice snap header saved by Kennedy in the 52nd minute, but the Red Bulls knotted things up in the 56th.  Brandon Barklage put a gorgeous entry ball down the pitch to the feet of Dane Richards, who slotted the ball across the 18 to an oncoming Kenny Cooper.  Coop calmly touched the ball past Kennedy for the game tying goal at 1-1.

The Red Bulls had the best chances for a winner as they tried to claim their 5th straight win, but it just wasn't to be.  In the 83rd minute Dax McCarty put a header on goal from a corner kick that beat Kennedy toward the far post.  Unfortunately for New York, Chivas man Ante Jazic was there to clear the ball off the line to preserve the 1-1 draw at full time.

NOTES:  The NYRB supporters showed a lot of class, with multiple tifo honoring Juan Pablo Angel throughout the ground.  Angel refused to celebrate his goal, returning the classy behavior.  The Red Bulls did not use a single sub.  They now head into the international/US Open Cup break with their next league match on June 17 at Chicago.  Chivas is now undefeated in 3.  They host Seattle this weekend before they begin the break.

Match Thoughts: Portland Timbers vs. Chicago Fire

The Rose City again had no pity for the Chicago Fire (Getty Images)

The Portland Timbers needed a win in this one, there is little doubt about that.  They'd been playing better recently, but coming up with draws instead of wins had kept them mired at the foot of the Western Conference table.  Following the Galaxy's defeat to Chivas, the Timbers could escape last place with a win over the Fire.

Portland coach Jon Spencer had been preaching service into the box after Portland's scoreless draw at Houston.  That did improve somewhat for the Timbers, who scored both of their goals from corner kicks.  In the 4th minute they got the ball into Kris Boyd after a throw in but his header was saved at point blank range by Sean Johnson.  It was really the only noteworthy chance for either side until Eric Brunner hook volleyed a ball into the Chicago net off of a corner kick in the 20th minute. 

The kick gave the Timbers the 1-0 lead which they looked keen to hold into halftime.  However, the Fire have come back from 1 goal deficits 3 times on the road this year.  In the 36th minute Pavel Pardo unleashed a wicked strike on the Timbers goal that was well saved by Troy Perkins.  Then in the 39th minute Jalil Anibaba ended up with the ball in the box after a poor clearance from the Timbers and slid a shot in far post to tie the match at 1-1 going to the interval.

The second half proved very frustrating to watch.  The Fire players started going to the floor with every little bit of contact.  Thankfully the referee wasn't buying it.  Then of course the Fire complained to said referee.  It really was embarrassing.

The Timbers had yet another chance off of a set piece in the 47th minute, but this time Brunner's header missed the target.  They did finally get the deserved lead in 52nd, when Chicago's Logan Pause deflected in a Timbers corner for an own goal that put Portland up 2-1. 

The Fire did mount a bit of an attacking presence later in the second half, but the Timbers did a much better job of managing the game, staying with the Fire attackers and not giving up many good looks.  The tension came to a head in the 80th minute when the the Fire's Sebastián Grazzini went down easily in the box trying to earn a penalty.  The referee saw right through it and gave him a yellow card for simulation. 

The last ten minutes plus stoppage time saw little significant attacking action from the Fire, and the Timbers held on for the three points, dropping the LA Galaxy into last place in the west.  It certainly could be a win for Portland to build on, and I think they definitely played better, but their best service still came from set pieces, as the Fire were able to get more balls into the 18 from the run of play.  For the Timbers to truly mount a climb out of the cellar, they need to improve on this some more.  I'm sure Spencer would agree.

Didier Drogba Will Leave Chelsea.

Well yesterday was kind of a sad day for must of us Chelsea Supporters, but it was a day most of us saw coming nonetheless.  On Monday, the strong rumor was that Didier Drogba had opted to leave Chelsea when his contract expired at the end of June.  Late Monday night, USA time, those rumors were walked back a bit.  However yesterday the Blues confirmed that the star of the Champions League final was definitely leaving after eight years at Stamford Bridge.

Drogba had this to say on Chelsea's website:

"It has been a very difficult decision for me to make and I am very proud of what we have achieved, but the time is right for a new challenge for me.

"As a team we have accomplished so much and have won every single trophy possible.

"Saturday was a very special moment for everyone at the club and for all the fans, and I am very proud to have played my part in bringing many trophies to this club, which has been my home for the last eight years.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at the club especially [owner] Roman [Abramovich] and my team-mates, many of whom have become very close friends and will be my friends for life.

"I would also like to say a very special thank you to the Chelsea fans who have shown me so much love and support over the years.

"I wish the club all the best and continued success for the future - you will always be in my heart.''

Drogba appeared in 341 games for Chelsea, scoring 157 goals and winning 10 trophies.  Despite the fact that MLS continues to clamor about the possibility of Drogs coming to the USA, most of the rumors say he'll be headed for a big pay day in China.

I would personally like to thank Didier Drogba as a Chelsea FC fan.  He's provided so man of my memorable moments in sport over recent years, and I'll never forget him!  Thanks Drogs!

Match Thoughts: San Jose Earthquakes vs. Columbus Crew

Olman Vargas and Steven Lenhart battle for the ball. (Getty Images)

San Jose had their momentum slowed a little bit last week when they had to come from behind late in the match to salvage a draw vs. Chivas USA at Buck Shaw stadium.  This week they were looking to get back on track versus a Crew side that's been struggling to score goals.  However, the Crew had managed a 2-1 victory their last time out against FC Dallas, so they were looking to build on that.

The Quakes were on fire in the first half, and it seemed like it was just a matter of time before they notched a goal.  The pressure appeared to come to fruition in the 21st minute when Steven Lenhart was fouled in the box, earning a penalty kick for the home side.  Chris Wondolowski stepped up to take the kick, but Columbus 'keeper Andy Gruenebaum absolutely stoned him to keep the score level at 0-0.  It was the fist of many great saves for Gruenebaum, who kept the Crew in it for most of the match.

It looked like things were going to go into halftime scoreless, but the Crew had other ideas.  In first half stoppage time Justin Meram sliced a gorgeous ball that slid just past John Busch and into the far side net to give the Crew the 0-1 lead at the break.  It really was a first class strike.

The Quakes offense slowed a bit in the second half, and the Crew grabbed some more possession.  However, they had a hard time trying to find the right combination to get their second, and one could just sense San Jose was itching for another comeback.

They did get their comeback, and it was really late on.  Alan Gordon, who came in as a sub was the man of the hour once again for the Quakes.  He rescued a point last week in stoppage time in against Chivas with an equalizer, and this week he did it in the the 90th, finally blasting a ball past the wall known as Andy Gruenebaum to tie the match at 1-1, which was the full time result.

NOTES:  Andy Gruenebaum made seven saves overall, including 3 point blank efforts in the first half.  Meram scored in his second straight match for Columbus, accounting for both of his goals on the year.  Alan Gordon's match tying strike was his third of the year for the Quakes.  Both goals from this one are up for MLS Goal of the week.

Congratulations to Santos Laguna: 2012 Mexican Clausura Champions

Santos Laguna hoists the trophy as 2012 Mexican Clausura Champions

The Puddle would like to extend congratulations to Santos Laguna, who beat 2 time defending CONCACAF Champions Monterrey 3-2 over two legs to claim the 2012 Mexican Clausura title.  The title is their 4th overall in the Mexican Primera Division..

The win is huge for the Mexican side founded in 1983.  Coming into this final, they had been to 3 of the last 4 finals in Mexico, losing them all.  They also lost to Monterrey in the finals of the CONCACAF Champions League last month.  This should be, and deserves to be, very sweet for the Torreon side.

The first leg was played in Monterrey earlier this week and ended in a 1-1 draw.  Santos won last night's 2nd leg in Torreon 2-1 with goals from Oribe Peralta and Daniel Luduena.  Monterrey manager Victor Manuel Vucetich suffered his first ever loss in a final.. His stats include 5 Mexico Primera titles and the 2 CONCACAF titles.

Last night was all about Santos though, and I hope the team and their supporters enjoy it!

Match Thoughts: New England Revolution vs. Houston Dynamo

Matt Reis makes a save in Saturday's match vs the Houston Dynamo (Getty Images)

You be the judge:  what's the biggest story out of this match,  a major missed opportunity for the New England Revolution or another gutsy performance by a weary Houston Dynamo squad to salvage a late draw?  A case could be made for either point, but it's safe to say that the Dynamo left Gillette Stadium the happier of the two sides.

It was kind of a back and forth affair, and it was definitely a chippy match, with Houston dealing most, but not all of the big hits.  Despite the fact that the Revs were looking for their third straight win at home, Houston looked the better side in the opening minutes.  One couldn't really tell that they had just played on Tuesday.

However, the first of the hits came in the 25th minute, and it was a hit that cost the Dynamo dearly.  Brad Davis plowed over Saer Sene in the area and conceded a penalty kick.  How you manage to run over Sene is beyond me after seeing him in person when the Revs played at Rio Tinto a few weeks back.  The guy is HUGE.  Nevertheless, the Frenchman nailed the spot kick to give the Revs a 1-0 lead.

Everyone in MLS knows that the Dynamo are a big threat on seat pieces with Brad Davis providing the balls in.  According to the Revs announcers, New England paid a lot of attention to set piece defense in practice last week.  You really couldn't tell though.  In the 31st minute Davis sent a ball into the box that Will Bruin managed to head home to make the match 1-1.

The second half got even more chippy and the yellow cards started flying.  Both teams tried to attack, but it was the Revolution who got on the board next.  In the 57th minute Sene swiped the ball from Geoff Cameron and streaked up the field, nailing the ball past Tally Hall to make it 2-1 Revs.

It looked like New England would hang on, even as the Dynamo applied a ton of pressure late on.  The pressure paid off for the men in orange in the 87th minute.  Brian Ching and Luiz Carmago put together a nice 1-2 around the Revs area.  The end result was Ching flicking a pass over the Revs defense which Carmago knocked past Reis to equalize the match at 2-2, which was the full time result.  Houston's perseverance paid off, and the Revs were left to rue dropped points at home, miring them in 5th place in the East.

Puddle's Goal(s) of the Weekend: Didier Drogba Clinches the European Cup

Of course these are my goals of the weekend! I don't know if you'll like the soundtrack, but it does a great job of showing both Drogba's header and his PK at the end.

Congratulations to Chelsea FC, 2012 Champions of Europe!

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech holds the European Cup as his team hoists him on their shoulders

I've never been happier to make a blog posting than I am tonight.  If you read my blog or follow my tweets, you probably know that I'm a Chelsea supporter.  Thus I am extremely happy and proud of my team for winning the 2012 UEFA Champions League Title.

It was very much against the odds in the final as well.  The Blues had to take on Bayern Munich in Munich to win the title.  Obviously, Bayern were the heavy favorites.  However Chelsea brought Didier Drogba, Petr Cech, and a ton of heart.

The match was scoreless into the 83rd minute when Thomas Muller finally broke through the Chelsea defense to make it 1-0, and Bayern had one hand on the trophy.  Chelsea pulled that hand back 5 minutes later when Didier Drogba equalized.  The match went into extra time, but no further goals were scored. 

Juan Mata missed his first PK, and Bayern took the advantage making their first three.  Then Ivica Olic and Bastian Schweinsteiger missed their last two, handing the advantage to Chelsea as David Luiz, Frank Lampard, and Ashley Cole had all iced their kicks.  Didier Drogba nailed the final shot to hand Chelsea the European Cup on what could be his last act for the team.

I don't think you could have even thought to write a script like that.

Chelsea will also earn the final English spot in next year's Champions League.  Tottenham Hotspur, who had finished 4th in the Premier League, will now drop to the Europa League with Newcastle and Liverpool.

Suffice it to say, I'm a very happy footy fan this week.  Congrats to my Chelsea boys!

MLS Suspends Shea and Danso

The MLS Disciplinary Committee has been at work again this week, handing out two suspensions and fines.  In retrospect, one could see both of them coming and they're both well deserved.

First on the list MLS suspended FC Dallas star Brek Shea 3 games for intentionally kicking the ball at an assistant referee during the Hoops' 2-1 loss to Columbus at Crew Stadium.  After being called for a foul, Shea kicked the ball at the AR and hit him in the stomach.  He didn't kick the ball very hard, and the AR just stood there, but it was bone headed move by Shea.  He has apologized and accepted responsibility for his actions.  For Dallas fans hoping they might pull a fast one on the league, any games Shea misses while away with the US National Team will NOT count toward his suspension.  He was also fined an undisclosed amount.

MLS also suspended Portland's Futty Danso for striking Houston's Calen Carr across the head in Tuesday's game at Houston.  Danso will miss this weekend's match with the Chicago Fire.  Oh, and say it with me now:  "he was also fined an undisclosed amount."

Women's Professional Soccer League Dissolves.

Bad news today for fans of Women's Soccer in the United States.  Women's Professional Soccer, the league that just last year was granted top flight status by US Soccer, has folded and dissolved the league permanently.  Earlier this year WPS canceled it's 2012 season, hoping to regroup and return next season.  Looks like it wasn't to be.

The league was already in dire straights last season when it clashed with the owner of the MagicJack franchise and expelled the team.  He then filed a lawsuit against the league, accusing them of failing to adhere to their own procedures.  WPS also announced today that it had reached a confidential settlement in the case, but it apparently wasn't enough to save the league.

The end of WPS closes another troubled chapter in the history of Women's Soccer in the United States.  The previous women's league, WUSA, also folded after three seasons.  It started up trying to ride the wave of the Women's World Cup in 1999.  Despite large viewership for the 2011 version of the World Cup, once again a women's league failed to garner the viewership and investment needed to sustain it.

WPS wasn't really my thing.  Honestly I think that the level of soccer played in USL's W-League is pretty much just as good.  Still, it's a sad day not only for fans of the league, but it will also serve to limit the opportunities for young women to play pro soccer in the USA.  I would encourage fans of the women's game to check into and support the W-League.

Puddle's Goal of the Midweek: Oribe Peralta En La Gran Final

I have to share this gorgeous goal with all of you. My choice comes from the Mexican Clausura final, first leg. In the 69th minute Oribe Peralta got on the end of a long ball then drove home this gorgeous strike.

Mexico Match Thoughts: La Gran Final, Leg 1

I don't think anyone that follows Mexican soccer was really surprised to see these two clubs meet in the Clausura final.  Both of these sides have been on fire, Monterrey especially since Humberto Suazo decided he was going to stick around.  This is also a rematch of the CONCACAF Champions League final from this year, in which Monterrey beat Santos to claim it's second consecutive CONCACAF crown.

Monterrey opened the match in good form, controlling possession and working their way into the Santos area.  César Delgado forced a nice save out of Santos in the 7th minute as Monterrey knocked on the door.  Suazo hit the ensuing corner but Walter Ayovi's shot went over the bar.

After the first ten minutes or so, Santos started to get their legs into the match and threaten the Monterrey area.  Both Daniel Ludueña and Oribe Peralta took shots early, but neither of them could find the target.  In the 30th minute Marc Crosas forced the first save out of Jonathan Orozco, but the Monterrey keeper parried it for a corner.  Santos sent the cross in on the corner and Felipe Baloy rose and headed the ball into the net.  However Baloy was whistled for a foul on the play and the goal was called back.  It wasn't the last mistake he would make, but the half ended 0-0.

Monterrey came out the stronger of the two sides in the second half, and began to get looks at goal.  Suazo sent shots high in both the 48th and 51st minutes.  Los Rayados grew more and more frustrated, and every minute that went by, Santos became more confident.

Santos began to knock on the door again in the 56th minute when Ludueña cracked the crossbar from distance.  Orozco didn't have much time to catch his breath though.  In the 69th minute Peralta got on the end of a 50 meter pass from Crosas.  With one deft touch he brought the ball down, settled it, and evaded the Monterrey defender.  He then turned and smacked the ball past a stunned Orozco to make it 0-1 to Santos and give them the all important away goal.

Monterrey continued to press the issue, but as the match went into stoppage time, a Santos error gifted Monterrey the draw.  In the third minute of stoppage time Baloy went to ground in the area on Suazo.  The nasty tackle came in from behind and tripped up the Monterrey attacker, despite the fact that he was moving away from goal.  The referee rightly awarded a penalty kick, which Suazo promptly scored to tie the match 1-1 at full time.

The second leg will be Sunday in Torreon, and I suppose Santos will be happy with the away goal.  However, the Suazo PK could loom large as I have a hard time thinking that Santos is gonna hang a clean sheet on the CONCACAF champs in the next leg either.

Red Bulls, Chivas USA, and Philly Swap Players

Juan Agudelo has been traded to Chivas USA (Goal.com)

Three MLS squads look very different this evening than they did at the start of business today.  Chivas USA pulled off two deals, one with New York Red Bulls and the other with the Philadelphia Union.  The deal with Philadelphia had been rumored for a few days, but the deal with NY came as a bit of a surprise.

The Goats will send midfielder Mike Lahoud to Philadelphia for want-away center back Danny Califf.  The former Union captain had experienced a falling out with head coach Peter Nowak.  He had made 65 appearances in three years in Philadelphia.

Turns out there was a reason Chivas needed another center back.  They dealt MLS All-Star defender Heath Pearce to the New York Red Bulls in exchange for US International forward Juan Agudelo.  There will also be allocation money changing hands, and the Red Bulls will pick up a piece of any future selling fee should Chivas sell Agudelo.

For the Union, the reasoning behind the deal is pretty clear.  They unload Califf and pick up an experienced player in the midfield.  Despite the fact that the deal has been rumored for several days. both sides were fairly coy up until the trade was completed today.

New York addresses one of their biggest needs by acquiring a proven, top level MLS defender to put in front of Ryan Meara.  Yes, Agudelo has a ton of potential upside, but according to Red Bulls management, he himself pushed for a trade somewhere where he could get more playing time. 

So the Goats add a veteran presence on the back line.  Also, if both Juan Pablo Angel and Juan Agudelo can stay healthy, their attack could be lethal.  I'm not sure this puts them up with RSL, San Jose, and Seattle, but I fully expect them to compete for the playoffs, maybe at the expense of Vancouver, Colorado, Dallas, or yes, the Galaxy.

Match Thoughts: DC United vs. Colorado Rapids

Conor Casey was back in action for Colorado. (Getty Images)

Last night MLS staged a midweek stinker featuring a tired Houston squad and a Portland squad coming off of a bye.  Tonight they did the same, with a tired DC United team hosting the well rested Colorado Rapids.  Perhaps the Rapids were too well rested.  At least there were goals in this one tonight, but that ended up being little consolation for the Rapids.

Not much went wrong for DC United, and not much went right for Colorado.  The first half was a particularly dull affair.  Colorado seemed to get the ball for some fairly decent spells, but most of the possession proved rather pointless.  Once in awhile, they would try to flip the ball into Conor Casey, but the service was never all that great, and when it was, the big man was often hit with fouls for pushing off his mark.

DC seemed to be mostly content to sit back and hit on the counter, and that's how they got their first goal of the match.  Lewis Neal and Dwayne De Rosario streaked up the pitch, and the Rapids fell all over themselves on the back line, leaving DeRo with an easy look which he promptly smacked past a bewildered Matt Pickens to make it 1-0. 

After attaining the first goal, DC seemed to smell blood and took a little bit more of the attacking initiative.  Both Robbie Russell and Andy Najar would test Pickens again before the half, but the Colorado keeper played extremely well and kept the score at 1-0 going into halftime.

The Rapids looked a little better in the second half and finally put some pressure on Bill Hamid's goal.   In the early minutes both Tony Cascio and Jamie Castrillon managed decent looks, but the US U-23 keeper kept both shots out.

DC United stepped up and put the game away at the hour mark.  De Rosario again found himself free of the Rapids defense, which was a mess all night.  He cracked a shot that Pickens was able to knock away, but the rebound fell to Hamdi Salihi, who jumped to his left to knock the ball into the open net to make it 2-0.  Colorado would not threaten the DC goal again, and United ended up with the comfortable 2-0 win at full time.

NOTES:  New Rapids signing Edu checked into the game in the 65th minute, but failed to materialize as a threat.  It was his first appearance.  The win moves DC United level with Sporting Kansas City for second place in the East.

Match Thoughts: Houston Dynamo vs. Portland Timbers

Troy Perkins turned in a man of the match performance for Portland. (Getty Images)

At first glance this match looked like a real albatross on the MLS schedule.  A Tuesday night duel in Houston after the Dynamo had just played an emotional and draining match on Saturday, as well as another midweek match last week.  Meanwhile, Portland didn't play this last weekend, in theory giving them an edge.  It didn't turn out at that way at all.  In the end, the match ended up being one of the most forgettable of the the MLS campaign so far.

Portland came out of the gates looking totally lethargic on offense.  Darlington Nagbe really looked like he was the only one who really came to play.  Kris Boyd grew increasingly frustrated as service into the Dynamo penalty area was non existent.  There was absolutely zero creativity from anyone in a green shirt.

It wasn't quite the same for Houston though.  They certainly outworked Portland despite their obviously tired legs.  The Dynamo ended up taking 17 shots in the match but they ran into a couple of problems.  One, they rarely hit the target.  Two, when they did, Troy Perkins was an absolute brick wall.

Houston captain Brian Ching checked in later in the second half to try and provide the Dynamo offense with the little extra they needed to get over the hump.  One would figure he'd get at least one big chance, and he did.  Late on he got the ball right in front of the Portland goal, but sent his shot flying horribly over the crossbar.  In the 87th minute Calen Carr got 1v1 with Perkins, but the Portland keeper came up huge and smotherd the shot to preserve the 0-0 draw.

Sure, Portland will take the point on the road.  However this team has issues.  First off, they have nothing going on offense.  They invested heavily in Kris Boyd as a DP, but it's not working all that well.  Yes, he has a couple of goals, but he doesn't really create much.  He's a target man and when he doesn't get the service, he doesn't get much going.  Everyone talks about how wonderful Boyd was with Rangers, however taking a look at his stats after leaving Scotland, I'm not sure why anyone is really surprised at the results thus far.  In the end, the Timbers still can't win on the road, and whatever advantage they had at Jeld-Wen Field has seemingly evaporated.  This is not a good recipe for climbing the table in MLS.  They need some help.

For Houston, it was disappointing that they didn't get the win, but they'll chalk it up to being their 3rd match in seven days and take solace in the fact that they really did outplay the struggling Portland side.