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.
Monday, November 7, 2011
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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