Calvin Clark Soccer Blog

BUSINESS football new sponsor for the stadium of rhinos

2011-02-23T05:47:00.000-08:00

A company based in Buffalo meatpacking is making a big splash in football, especially in Western New York. Sahlen's packing company recently bought the naming rights for the Rochester Rhinos Stadium, in business for ten years (five years with an option for five years) that are believed to worth about $ 300000 a year.

Was the last of a series of incursions in football by Sahlen 's, which recently became the official hotdog Professional Football League of Women s. Naturally, all the sponsorship of football is buoying the investment by the owner of the company's team WPS's latest expansion, New York Flash Western.

Business owner Joe Sahlen is the owner of the women's team, having done one step up the League pro inexperienced after his club won the title in W-League last season. Sahlen are spending big on sport. He has already signed five times world player of the year Marta to Flash, besides the stadium naming rights and sponsorship of the League. The League deal prompts a patch of Sahlen's logo across all WPS team throughout the season of 2011.

The League hits the family demographic target for our products and the brand that makes an attractive property, said, Sahlen.

Survey says
Despite the growth of Major League Soccer and the wave of enthusiasm around last year's World Cup in South Africa, has been very little change in popularity of soccer in United States since 1985, according to a Harris poll.

Four percent of respondents of the poll said football was his favorite sport. That's above 2% in 2009, but only slightly above 3% which gave football as an answer in 1985, the first year the vote was held. In 1998, the year of World Cup was held in France and the United States advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to Germany, total citing football as your favorite sport also was 4%. Women's football was recorded in the poll only once, in 2004, when it reached 1%. In 1994, when the United States hosted the FIFA World Cup, 3% of respondents polled s footy as your favorite sport.

Men's soccer equalised in seventh in the standings with men's college basketball, behind soccer pro (31%), baseball (17%), soccer (12%), auto racing (7%), men's pro basketball (6%) and hockey (5%) 2010.

In good hands
Allstate became the official insurance partner of Major League Soccer, American football, the United States men's and Women's football selections. The sponsorship also includes a four-year renewal with the Mexican F Federaci n tbol for their friendly matches in the United States.

In addition to the sponsorship renewal of FML, Allstate will receive exclusive category for the next four years, as the official insurance partner of Major League Soccer and the assets of marquee league s, AT&T MLS All-Star Game and MLS Cup.

Allstate's promotional plans includes support for MLS Sue, free trial of league s looking for talents of Latin American football. Allstate also support basic programs as MLS and MLS Futbolito partner.

Coca-Cola and El Tri
The Coca-Cola Company launched Coca-Cola Plaza as part of your sponsorship activation five Mexican football games in the United States. The fan zone special premiered February 9 in Atlanta, in conjunction with El Tri's friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Georgia Dome. In each game MNT in the United States, Coca-Cola Plaza will be part of Futbol Fiesta, an interactive zone that extends for more than 120 thousand square meters and includes live music, games, celebrity appearances and award giveaways.

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Turks fleeing Libya take refuge in the football stadium

2011-02-22T20:54:00.000-08:00

Thousands of Turkish workers waiting for evacuation from Libya took refuge in a football stadium in the Eastern city of Benghazi where they heard gunfire and explosions during the night, a witness said on Monday.

Violent riots against the Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi that spread to the capital, Tripoli, where dozens of people were reported killed during the night. His son promised to fight until the "last man standing" after dozens of protesters were killed in the East of the country.

Sertac Karan, an Executive with the construction of Turkish company Arsel, told Reuters by telephone of the stadium near the airport in Benghazi: "after the funeral prayer we can hear shootings and explosions.

"It's totally out of control, we see the 15 and 16-years loading Kalashnikovs."

About 3500 Turks were waiting for evacuation in the stadium, said Karan arrived three days after the company's sites were looted.

Members of the security forces have changed in uniform and joined protests to avoid being attacked by protesters, he said.

Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said a press conference at the end of a visit to Tunisia that should be avoided bloodshed and order restored in Libya.

"We decided to bring the people back as soon as possible," he said. "Fortunately there was no loss of life (Turkish) so far."

Speaking in Ankara, Foreign Trade Minister Zafer Caglayan said looters had attacked Turkish companies, which have projects in Libya is worth more than $ 15 billion, and estimated there were 25000 Turkish employees working there.

Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone to Gaddafi, according to the Minister of Commerce.

Hidir Yentur, Manager of logistics with a construction company in Al Bayda, eastern Libya, said that workers were forced to switch to a safer place, once your site has been hacked by looters.

"A group attacked our construction site and had to computers, but they do nothing for us. The water is low, "Yentur told Reuters by telephone of Libya.

SEVEN PLANES READY

Davutoglu said that about 550 people were taken of Tripoli, on Sunday, but it became impossible to land in Benghazi.

Davutoglu said that seven aircraft were ready to go there, since the airport was usable. There were unconfirmed reports before the opposition demonstrators had taken control of the airport.

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A different kind of soccer mom-San Jose Mercury News

2011-02-22T14:24:00.000-08:00

When Sulma Plancarte entered the apartment of West San Jose little of his family at age 16 and broke the news of her pregnancy, she feared her future as a football player is over.

Instead, his father told him: "don't give up your dream. You want to go to College and play football. "

Now 18 and the mother of a 1 year old, high school not only still playing football but is starring a team of Del Mar that resources from another player like her. Zuleyni Huizache is a senior high score with a child, and she and Del Mar Plancarte led to an 18-0-2 and a playoff berth that begin next week.

At once in a lifetime that is often difficult at the best of circumstances, young people are dedicated to accomplish something longtime observers say it is very rare: the practice of sports school while learning to be a parent.

Just stay in school is a challenge for many. According to a study conducted by the national campaign to prevent Teen and unplanned pregnancy, 30% of girls school that left the cited pregnancy or motherhood as a reason. The same study found that among women who had a son before 18, only 38 percent earned a high school diploma for 22 years.

"My wife told me that cannot be as stiff-necked with them," said Ken Padia, coach of the football team of girls Del Mar. "Have to bend a little, because they are dealing with things that are different from typical high school kid" .... What does the typical

school kid to worry about: ' what will I wear? What I'm going to have for lunch? Can I get a date for the dance? ' Their situation is obviously different. "

Huizache is the team's leading scorer, with 30 goals in 20 games. Plancarte is next with 22. Both hope college football will take the opportunity to provide a better life for their children.

"I got to thinking about a high standard of living," said Huizache, whose son, Santiago, was born in May 2008. "I want my son to do much better than I did. Wanna be the one to prove to you that he can do it. "

As for Plancarte, she wasn't sure she could manage this-until his family gathered around her and promised to help.

"sulma," his father said: "everything is possible in this life. You just continue with school, continue with the football. We'll worry about it. "

Growing fastAs in a matter of conscience, nor Huizache nor Plancarte felt that giving up her son was an option.

"I never would have thought not to keep it," said Huizache, who was pregnant with her first year. "I don't take responsibility wouldn't be right."

And the girls say that the responsibilities of fatherhood that forced them to grow quickly.

"Firstly I thought it would be easy-I could just take care of it and go to sleep," said Plancarte, whose son, Alex, turned 1 this month. "but I can't go out with my friends or going to the movies, because I have to be with him. I have to get up in the middle of the night. I gotta give baths. I never thought it would be this hard. "

With no father in the picture, two young mothers depend on their families for child care and financial support, especially when they need to do homework or prepare for games.

Everything that makes their prowess on the football field more remarkable.

Rachel Schauer, one of the masters of Del Mar, says Huizache and Plancarte are doing is "inspiring". "It's hard enough already to concentrate at school and bring your ' A ' game every game," she said. "They go home, raise a baby, do your homework, then get up early morning and do it again".

Family supportDel sea is part of the Campbell Union High School District, which does not maintain statistics on how many of your students are mothers. Del Mar does not offer special programs for adolescent mothers due to lack of funding.

"There's a lot of left the County programs that do this," said Terry Peluso, Executive Director of student services.

Schools in the District of Campbell offer classes that help students with parenting skills, career and life. But Peluso said family support is one of the most important factors in helping teenage mothers graduate.

Thanks in large part to their families, both girls are on track to graduate-Plancarte Huizache this year and a year later because she took time during pregnancy. Football played a role, too, in each one helping to elevate its qualities. Both now carry an average c solid.

"The entire soccer team has study sessions once a week," said Huizache, "and they really helped me with what you needed help with".

Father of Plancarte, Guillermo, admits that he had concerns about the juggling act, his daughter and her family was about to perform.

But he said that we're working on. Without doubt, it is better that dreaded Sulma at the beginning.

"She became very depressed-she doesn't think she was already going to play again," Guillermo said through a translator. "Just told him to have the child and we move forward.

Forty days after birth, Guillermo said, he took his daughter to the Park and football was in his life.

And now he can't wait to start coaching baby Alex.

Guillermo "I'm just waiting for another year," he said. "He'll be good."

Mercury News photographer Maria j. Avila Lopez and writer Elliott Almond contributed to this report.

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Scorched earth: soccer fields Davidson Park should recover from the fire in time

2011-02-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

A football pitch is blistered Joe Davidson Park damaged by fire Sunday are ready for the game of championship Burlington parks and recreation next month.Bermuda grass surface field has not been severely damaged since all grass burned already was Tony laws of recreation and Parks Director of Burlington dead, said. Laws said Bermuda grass does not begin to grow until the end of March, which should be plenty of time.The football pitch caught fire on Sunday after a resident outside with his family sailed in model rockets. Daniel Barr Road Garden was issued a citation to the incident of Burlington Police Department, but parks and recreation will press charges, laws said. "It was an accident, said laws.The fire burned 2 hectares and it took about 20 minutes to get under control on Sunday afternoon at the Retiro Park Rural Road. Firefighters of Burlington another passed 45 minutes additional hot spots, in the field of extinction. No one was injured and no structures were damaged.Laws said that workers maintenance of parks and recreation will remove blackened dead grass of the field this week. The field is not used to practice football, which has already begun.In Alamance County, and many areas throughout the State were under fire warnings in the weekend, which continue this week. Head of Burlington Fire Department reported all Willets Mike use extreme caution when outdoors while moisture levels remain low, warm temperatures and windy persist.Willets said that there were several grass fires on Monday along the street extension of Tucker. The fire started after a tractor trailer truck traveling down the street issued Sparks, captures the grass on fire. The fire was extinguished within minutes.Willets informed drivers who smoke not to discard lit cigarettes from their vehicles. Burning cigarettes could easily trigger a large fire under current conditions. "The fire hazard is too large, said Willets. National Weather Service issued an alert to Burlington on Monday to the danger of fire greater through 6 p.m. dead leaves and grasses could readily again Tuesday due to drought conditions and breezy South winds throughout the day.Service forestry N.C. worked on Monday to contain a large fire that burned Warren County up to 1100 acres. Brian Haines, N.C. Forest Service spokesman, said the fire in Warren County, was 95 percent contained by Monday afternoon.The fire in Warren County began after a vehicle to tow a trailer created sparks that grass caught on fire, said Haines. Weekend, forestry N.C. faced major fires in Robeson County, Pender County, Surry County and Polk County. "High fire danger should keep people recording outdoors, "says Haines. "Many of these fires are wind".Haines said there was no new outbreaks of fire serious state on Monday that should give fire crews battling the flames in weekend some much needed rest.We have been stretched thin in recent days, "says Haines.

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Midfielder Josh Gardner signs with Columbus Crew

2011-02-22T00:03:00.000-08:00

Midfielder Josh Gardner signed a multi-year contract with The Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer 28-year-old has spent the past four seasons in the United Soccer Leagues with Seattle (2007-08) and Carolina (2009-10). After playing at the University of Cincinnati, 2001-03, he was part of the Los Angeles Galaxy team that won the World Cup MLS and US Open Cup 2005. His deal was announced Monday,

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News of pre-season probes FC and notes of Florida-Seattle Times (blog)

2011-02-21T16:23:00.001-08:00

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Scene Shifts to Sunshine State

The heat is on for Seattle Sounders FC as the preseason scene shifts to Florida for the final training sessions prior to the MLS roster compliance date of March 1. Sounders FC has added a fourth training game to this week's schedule, giving the coaching staff one more opportunity to evaluate personnel before the final cutdown.

The Rave Green arrived at the IMG Soccer Academy in Bradenton, Fla. on Friday night and has trained twice there before its first training game. Seattle plays FC Dallas on Monday afternoon and the Houston Dynamo on Tuesday morning in Orlando at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Back in Bradenton, Sounders FC hosts the University of Central Florida on Thursday and the Chicago Fire on Saturday. The team returns home on Sunday.

Seattle is 2-1-1 in training games thus far. There were no games last week as the team trained twice at Starfire prior to its departure for Florida.

The regular season is now just over three weeks away. It begins on March 15 when Sounders FC hosts the L.A. Galaxy on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field in a match televised nationally on ESPN. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. PT.

Upcoming Training Game Schedule, February 21-26 (times are local & subject to change):

Monday, February 21 - Sounders FC vs FC Dallas, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, Fla., 3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, February 22 - Sounders FC vs Houston Dynamo, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, Fla., 11 a.m.

Thursday, February 24 - Sounders FC vs University of Central Florida, IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla., 4 p.m.

Saturday, February 26 - Sounders FC vs Chicago Fire, IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla., 2 p.m.

Sounders FC Opens Defense of Open Cup in Late June

Two-time defending champion Sounders FC earned one of six automatic qualifying spots allotted to U.S.-based MLS teams and will don the Electricity kit and open defense of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in late June, U.S. Soccer announced last week. Seattle is the first team since 1984 with a chance of winning three consecutive U.S. Open Cup titles. The New York Greek-Americans (1967-69) were the only other team to accomplish this feat.

The 98th edition of the Open Cup tournament gets underway on June 14 with 16 first-round matches. Five rounds of play precede the Oct. 4 final that will decide the U.S. Soccer national club championship.

The more than 155 teams that entered the competition beginning in the initial stages will be narrowed to 40 teams for the tournament proper by the May 30 qualifying deadline. In 2011, 19 professional teams - including eight from Major League Soccer - and 21 amateur teams will make up the field.

The first and second rounds will be made up of exclusively lower division and amateur teams and will be played on June 14 and June 21, respectively, with eight teams advancing to play eight MLS teams, including Sounders FC, the following week. The quarterfinals will be played on July 12 and the semifinals will be played on Aug. 30

The other five automatic MLS qualifiers are the Columbus Crew, FC Dallas, L.A. Galaxy, New York Red Bulls and Real Salt Lake. The remaining 10 U.S. teams from MLS must qualify via play-in games prior to May 30.

The tournament has crowned a champion for 97 consecutive years beginning in 1914. The 2011 champion will earn a $100,000 cash prize, while the runner-up will collect $50,000. The top Division III and Amateur Division clubs will each receive a $10,000 prize. No Division II teams will participate in the 2011 U.S. Open Cup as the North American Soccer League did not obtain provisional sanctioning in time to be included.

Community Shield Match Marks Return of Marshall, Nyassi

The second annual Sounders FC Community Shield match will mark the return of two former Seattle players now on the roster of the MLS Cup champion Colorado Rapids. Tyrone Marshall and Sanna Nyassi were both members of the starting XI in the 2009 inaugural game. Marshall went on to earn team defensive MVP honors that season and Nyassi starred in the 2010 U.S. Open Cup final, scoring two goals.

Tickets are on sale now for the Community Shield match against the Rapids on Wednesday, March 9 at 7 p.m. on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field.

General Admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for youth (6-17). Children under the age of six are free. Tickets are available at www.SoundersFC.com, by calling 877-MLS-GOAL, all Ticketmaster outlets and the Qwest Field Box office.

Both Marshall and Nyassi were active in the Seattle community, and proceeds from the match will benefit the team's community outreach programs. Sounders FC fans helped raise over $80,000 from the 2010 Community Shield match which was allocated to the team's charity partners.

Henderson, Schmid Among Nominees for National Soccer Hall of Fame

Sounders FC head coach Sigi Schmid and technical director Chris Henderson are nominees in the Builder and Player categories for the National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2011. Voting is underway and will continue through March 11, with election results to be announced in early spring.

Schmid is among seven individuals on the 2011 Builder ballot. Builders are nominated by making their mark in the soccer community in a non-playing capacity while sustaining a major and positive impact on U.S. Soccer on a national or professional level for 10 years. Schmid is the MLS career leader in regular season victories and guided UCLA to three NCAA championships. He also served as U.S. coach for the 1991 World University Games, 1995 Pan American Games and 2005 FIFA U-20 World Championships.

Henderson earned 79 caps for U.S. National Team between 1990 and 2001. Upon his retirement from MLS following the 2006 season he was the career leader in games played (317) and among the top 10 in assists. Henderson was a two-time MLS All-Star and scored 10 goals for Kansas City in 2000, the season the Wizards won the MLS Cup.

Established in 1950, the National Soccer Hall of Fame is dedicated to the sport of soccer in America by celebrating its history, preserving its legacy, inspiring its youth and honoring its heroes for generations to come.

FOX Soccer to Televise Five Matches; Date Change: Seattle to Host Houston on March 25

Sounders FC will have five matches nationally televised by FOX Soccer as part of the network's 2011 agreement with Major League Soccer.

The date for the home match versus the Houston Dynamo has been moved to Friday, March 25. The game will be shown on FOX Soccer and start at 7:00 p.m. PT on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field. In addition, the first kick for the October 15 home match with the San Jose Earthquakes has been changed to 7:30 p.m. PT.

Other Sounders FC matches appearing on FOX Soccer include home matches versus the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on June 11 and the Colorado Rapids on July 16 and a road game at Colorado on April 22.

Earlier, Sounders FC had been selected for five matches on the ESPN networks, beginning with the MLS 2011 First Kick on March 15 against the L.A. Galaxy on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. (PT).

All Sounders FC MLS league matches not aired nationally will be carried live in high definition on KING-5 or KONG-6/16 with Arlo White calling the action. All locally broadcast matches will also be aired either live outside of Seattle or on a delayed basis throughout Washington on FSN/ROOT SPORTS* (Comcast channels 627 & 30). Select Sounders FC Spanish language TV matches will be aired on KOMO2 TV, Comcast channel 114, a Univision sister station.

Each match will also be aired live on the radio home of Sounders FC, News Talk 97.3 KIRO FM. All Sounders FC Spanish language broadcasts will be aired on La Gran D 99.3 FM, except nationally aired broadcasts.

To purchase tickets, call 1-877-MLS-GOAL or visit www.SoundersFC.com.

*FSN Northwest will become ROOT SPORTS in Spring 2011

Sounders FC Extends Osvaldo Alonso Contract Through 2014

Sounders FC announced last week that it has extended the contract of midfielder Osvaldo Alonso through the 2014 Major League Soccer season.

Alonso, voted the team's most valuable player in 2010, is entering his third year with Sounders FC. Per club and Major League Soccer policy, no further terms of the deal were disclosed.

In 2010 Alonso, 25, was instrumental in Sounders FC compiling the best record in MLS over the second half of the season. Once he returned from a seven-game absence due to injury, Seattle went 9-2-2. In addition to winning balls and starting attacks Alonso scored one goal and added three assists in 23 league appearances. Nine of the 11 shutouts were achieved in games he played.

Alonso made 29 league appearances in 2009, his first year in MLS, scoring one goal and three assists. Capped 17 times by the Cuban National Team, he was voted USL Rookie of the Year in 2008 while with Charleston.

Limited Number of Tickets Available for Kickoff Luncheon

A limited number of tickets remain available for the second annual Sounders FC Kickoff Luncheon to be held at Qwest Field on Monday, March 7 from 12:30-1:45 p.m. Guests will sit side-by-side and interact with Sounders FC players, coaches, and team executives.

Fans attending the lunch are also invited to attend the Sounders FC training session that begins at 11 a.m.

Tables of 10 include eight guests, plus two Sounders FC personnel (players, coaches, or team executives). Each table costs $800 and individual tickets are available for $100.

To purchase a table please register online at www.SoundersFC.com or contact Megan West at meganw@seahawkssoundersfc.com or 425.203.8102.

Proceeds from the luncheon ticket sales and silent auction will benefit the five Sounders FC charity partners.

Academy: U16s Enter Break on 11-Game Unbeaten Run; Kovar Scores for US U18s

The Sounders FC Academy U16s will take an 11-match unbeaten run into their three-month break from league play after claiming a win and a draw on the road this past weekend in Orange County. Seattle (14-2-4) won its fifth in a row, 3-1 over the Irvine Strikers, before tying the Pateadores, 2-2.

Meanwhile, the U18s (12-4-4) split their two road games, yet enter the break on a good note, a 2-1 victory over Pateadores. Both the U18s and U16s will begin the final five matches of the 2010-11 season atop their respective Northwest Divisions of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Each of the reaming games is against teams within their division, starting with the California Development Academy at home on May 28.

Sounders FC has scored 27 goals in its last nine U16 outings, with 14 different players contributing. At Irvine, Jordan Schweitzer staked the visitors to an early lead and Keenan Townsend saved a penalty kick five minutes later. Sounders FC capitalized on that momentum, with Ike Crook and Michael Steele boosting the lead to 3-1 by halftime. Crook and Jamie Klug each have seven goals this season.

The U18s lost back-to-back matches for the first time with their loss at Irvine. Seattle has allowed only five goals in the past five games but was blanked in each loss. The Strikers' lone goal came in the third minute. Ryan Greling made two fine saves on either side of halftime. Against Pateadores, the Rave Green rallied with a pair of goals in the final four minutes. Darwin Jones equalized with his 10th goal off Sean Okoli's assist in the 86th minute and Brandon Brockway capped the comeback in the 90th, getting on the end of Ryan Herman's long free kick.

Sounders FC was without midfielder Aaron Kovar last week. Kovar was called in to the U.S. U18 National Team camp in Arizona, and he scored the second goal for the Stars and Stripes in a 2-2 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

Throw-ins

The players and staff are planning to attend a Tampa Bay Lightning hockey game on Friday night...Defender Tyson Wahl turns 27 on Wednesday, February 23...Leo Gonzalez and his wife Alejandra have a new baby daughter. Jimena was born on February 12...Single game tickets for the 2011 MLS season will go on sale on March 1...On February 25, 1985, FC Seattle hired former Scotland international and NASL all-star Bruce Rioch as head coach...A reminder that the Cascadia Summit match on March 5 between the Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps FC start time has now been moved to 4 p.m. at Starfire...The 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League begins the knockout phase on Tuesday night in Columbus when the Crew hosts Real Salt Lake in a quarterfinal first leg. RSL hosts the second leg on March 1. Sounders FC, eliminated in the group stage last fall, begins play in the 2011-12 Champions League in July.

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Behind Soccer Cup victory of Japan, Italian tactics-New York Times

2011-02-02T05:29:00.000-08:00

On Saturday in Qatar after the Japan defeated Australia 1-0, at the end of the 2011 Edition, you could see why Europeans experienced are still in demand. Alberto Zaccheroni proved his worth in Doha with a revolutionary tactical switch that could have come out of an Italian textbook.

Japan had impressed in the tournament with their technical abilities and fleeting, but an hour in a fun and breathless quarrel, was unable to get his usual game in gear.

The Socceroos, who joined the Asian Football Confederation in 2006, we were looking dangerous in attack and largely undisturbed on the back.

Zaccheroni, previously, the coach of AC Milan and Juventus before going to Japan in August, retired Jungo Fujimoto at the right side of midfield in favor of Daiki Iwamasa, who moved to the Centre of defence to cope better with Australia's air assault. The trainer then shifted Yasuyuki Konno in left side, allowing Yuto Nagatomo move the field.

It Worked. After 109 minutes of scoreless soccer, Nagatomo, which defends the Cesena Italy's Serie A and is one of Japan's growing legion of stars with European base, if liberated. His cross found Tadanari Lee cleared in the central area, and with a balance of a boot-rosa, shot a substitute winner spectacular past a helpless Mark Schwarzer.

Was a strike worthy of winning any tournament and gave Japan a record fourth continental title. Zaccheroni "Not won an international competition before," said after the game. "This is the first time. This is an excellent team, and we have great players, so I'm proud to manage this team.

"I wanted to reinforce the midfield. We really couldn't control this enough space. Then I pushed Nagatomo, "said Zaccheroni. "And we look better, and from that point, Australia looked kind of loose. I was surprised, because they were so compact before. "

Goal of Lee, his first for Japan in his second appearance, finished a tournament in three weeks.

Philippe Troussier knows everything about how it feels to win the AFC Asian Cup. He led the Japan for her second continental title in 2000 and then to the second round of the 2002 FIFA World Cup before entering into the national team of Qatar in 2003. After leaving Doha in 2004, he was back to watch the final.

"The tournament was OK," said the Frenchman. "At the beginning, four teams had the ambition to win — Japan, Australia, South Korea and Iran. How the top three finish is a nice football Asian representation at this time. " Korea came in third with a 3-2 victory over Uzbekistan on Friday.

The gap between the trio and the rest in terms of professionalism seems to be growing, as a.f.c Chief, Mohamed Bin Hammam, acknowledged at a news conference before the end. For most of his nine years in Office, the Yemeni focused on raising standards across the continent. No team in the Middle East did for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and none has evolved past the quarterfinals in Qatar, with host; the champion, Iraq. and everyone will fall into this phase.

Despite the disappointment, Iran coach Afshin Ghotbi, was quietly impressed with the level of play.

"Soccer Asian giant has taken steps in recent years," said Ghotbi. "It was evident in the tournament that Asia has a long way to go, but the game is heading the right direction."

Off the field, was far more attention focused on the tournament than ever. FIFA's decision, made on the 2nd of December, to deliver the 2022 FIFA World Cup for the small nation with a population of 1.5 million, blistering summer temperatures and little history of football has raised eyebrows. The international media were eager to see if the Asiatic Cup would indicate if Qatar had what he would host the global event for 11 years on the road.

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Stuttgart woes mount after defeat by Freiburg

2011-02-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

* Stuttgart lose first game since winter break

* Placed last Gladbach snatch late winner against Frankfurt

VfB Stuttgart Problems continue after a home defeat by SC Freiburg 1-0 on Sunday left the champions of 2006-07 firmly in a Bundesliga relegation battle.

Johannes Flumen grabbed the winner after 24 minutes for visitors, who are enjoying a brilliant season and moved up to sixth.

Stuttgart gathered in 16 points in 20 games for Borussia Moenchengladbach underside that stunned Eintracht Frankfurt five minutes into the second half with a goal of Belgian Igor de Camargo to win 1-0.

Both teams are three points of Cologne, which occupy the relegation playoff place.

Stuttgart, suffering their first defeat since the League resumed after the winter break, were dominant in the second half, but with Brazilian Cocoa missing, they lacked a cutting edge against Freiburg.

Sven Schipplock could not beat the keeper of Freiburg Oliver Baumann with a curling shot right in the Centre of Midway through the second period and Martin Harnik Stuttgart reached the post a minute time.

Leaders Borussia Dortmund crushed hosts VfL Wolfsburg 3-0 on Saturday to go eleven points clear at the top, with Bayer Leverkusen secondly in 39. Bayern Munich have fought back to a 3-1 victory over Werder Bremen to move up to third in 36.

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Stojkovic permanent signs deal with Partizan

2011-02-01T11:36:00.000-08:00

Vladimir Stojkovic has signed a three-year contract with Partizan Belgrade after joining them on loan from Sporting Portugal last August, the goalkeeper Serbia said.

"This is what I wanted, my ambition was to sign a long-term contract with Partizan after arriving here Sporting" Stojkovic press Belgrade said on Saturday.

"I'm looking forward to the second half of the season and our attempt to keep the Serbian league and Cup," he added.

Partizan, who won a championship record three successive titles, are five points ahead of rivals Red Star winter break in December-February.

Stojkovic, a former player of the Red Star, failed to make an impact in any of foreign clubs that played to after leaving the winners of the European Cup in 1991 in 2006.

But he has been in good shape for Partizan and helped reach the group stage this season Champions League for the first time since 2003.

Partizan lost all six games but Stojkovic was confident that could improve next season.

"We want to go a step further in the next season, elite competition in Europe if we qualify, it is time for the next level and the current crop of players have it in them," he said.

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First person: Soccer Will never catch in America?

2011-02-01T06:32:00.000-08:00

Of course, many Americans watched the World Cup this summer, including those people who couldn't appoint four teams in MLS. That's all fine. Ask an average American on the EPL or La Liga though and they probably you that if they were an alien planet or a distant galaxy. My point is, despite the progress, football has a long way to go.

Don't get me wrong, football is popular in the United States, but nothing here can be compared with the passion felt by him in Europe and throughout the world and I doubt he ever will be. We have grown into a company that stresses the need for "Americans" sports such as baseball, football and basketball.

Underprivileged children are kicking a soccer ball on the beach as the Brazilians. they're shooting hoops basketball. Fields are reserved for baseball in the summer and autumn is reserved for football, where nothing else matters.

There are some who make the sport very seriously.

Watching the 2006 World Cup was an experience that I carry with me for the rest of my life. Short cut my last class, rushing to my friend's House to watch the games, was something incredible.

Nothing compared to the Italian Cup final victory in the world. Francis Lewis Boulevard in Whitestone, Queens was completely off. A street in New York came to a stand-still and thousands of Italian Americans came out to support their country with flags, horns and anything they could find that was blue or red. The police shut down the party late into the night, but it was something to behold.

All this begs the question: Why wasn't caught football in America? As mentioned above, "American" sports has always come first, but that really means nothing because the youth football is one of the most popular sports is there. The remnants of problem that the teen can play football, but that doesn't mean that they are watching it on television.

It is because the MLS doesn't have star power? Foreign leagues are not accessible to viewers Americans? Replies can both ways.

Landon Donovan and Jaime Moreno captivated Americans, to the point where they can be activated in a MLS game and watched. ESPN had lack of coverage of those players and much more, but still, his men Americans 25 years of age were not regular rushing to stores to buy shirts, if they were being sold at all.

The answer to the second question is also tricky. Fox Soccer Channel covers many European football games and even ESPN covers some great games, but that doesn't mean that Americans are watching. When Barcelona matches up against Manchester United this summer in Washington, DC, American football fans will go crazy and the rest of the country don't care. The sport is available for the sports fan, but he isn't being consumed.

My last words in all of this is that in America, football fans have to be created, where in Europe and throughout the world, football is as natural as breathing. I can't tell you how many times I've heard my friends call it football a game of "girls" or a "foreign" sport, but they just don't understand how special is and probably never will be.

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Football-Roundup-Barca equal record, big pay day for Crawley

2011-01-31T21:39:00.000-08:00

Barcelona made a wins record 15th league match in a row and stretched seven points clear of Real Madrid, losing 1-0 to Rangers.

In England, Club minor league Crawley Town secured a payday bumper, when his reward for success in FA Cup was the fifth round draw away against Manchester United.

- - - -

Spain

Leaders Barcelona pulled seven points clear at the top of La Liga with a 3-0 victory in Hercules on Saturday and Real Madrid crashed to a surprise 1-0 defeat at Manchester United on Sunday.

Peter broke the deadlock for Barça and Lionel Messi scored twice late on after Hercules had been reduced to 10 men. Consecutive League victory 15 matching the record League established by Real Madrid in 1960-61 season.

Real fell to a goal of the second part of Javier Camanus and entry of new signing Emmanuel Adebayor failed help transform the game.

Barca has 58 points in 21 games, Real are in second place with 51 and Villarreal are third with 45 once a cracker Giuseppe Rossi gave them a 1-0 win at Espanyol.

- - - -

ENGLAND

Crawley town became the first minor League club to reach the fifth round of the FA Cup for 17 years when they beat League Two (Fourth Division) Torquay 1-0 away and then a dream trip to play Manchester United at Old Trafford in the round.

A weakened side United in the field and had to come from behind to win 2-1 in Southampton, while Arsenal also had to battle back with a penalty of Cesc Fabregas border League One (third tier) Huddersfield 2-1.

Manchester City were 10 minutes of a humiliating defeat in the League a Notts County but won a replay with new striker Edin Dzeko first goal for the Club.

Holders Chelsea also came from behind to draw 1-1 at Everton into one of five all-Premier League ties.

The most surprising of them, Tottenham Hotspur, semi-finalists last season, were punished for their 4-0 at the Fulham with all targets, including two penalties, arriving in the first half.

- - - -

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Vigil set for football coach today Stratford injured in the assault

2011-01-31T15:09:00.000-08:00

A 33-year-old man who police said was assaulted by her husband of a woman on Friday remained in critical condition Sunday from injuries sustained after he was drilled and fell, striking his head on the floor.

Houston police didn't say what, if any, relationship there was between the woman and the man now in an intensive care unit of the hospital.

Police said that her husband, Ronald Lee Newman, 51, he saw his wife with another man, Christopher Matthews, in the parking lot of a restaurant on the block 14030 Memorial Drive about 11 hours Friday.

Newman was charged with aggravated assault, accused of beating Matthews, who fell unconscious, and was transported to the Ben Taub General Hospital, on Saturday, said Houston Police spokesman John Cannon.

Matthews is the girls ' football coach at Stratford High School and a professor of world history. Spring Branch ISD provided advice for students and families Sunday afternoon in high school.

A prayer vigil for Matthews and his family is set for 6 p.m. today at Grace Presbyterian Church, 10221 Ella Lee Lane, one block north of Beltway 8 and intersection of Westheimer.

"Our focus now continues to be the well-being of the coach Matthews, supporting your family, your players and students," the District said in a statement. "Out of respect for the family and the well-being of everyone, we ask that everyone continue to support the coach Matthews, his family and our students."

Paige.Hewitt@chron.com

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Monterrey football champions lose again, to win America Reinoso

2011-01-31T08:42:00.000-08:00

* Monterrey lose third game in four

* Fire coach Necaxa after four losses

* Win America under new coach Reinoso (coach Adds resign, quotation)

Mexican Monterrey Title holders continued to fight in initial rounds Clausura Championship after losing 3-2 Pumas UNAM in Mexico City on Sunday.

Monterrey, which seemed to have stopped the rot last week with a victory and their first three points, are separated from the foot of the table only by Necaxa promoted.

Successive defeat in the fourth, 1-0 Necaxa, Queretaro, led to the resignation of Argentinian coach Daniel Brailovsky, announced in a brief statement, clube more Sunday afternoon.

"We are aware that winnings are always urgent, especially with a team normally used to win and put in good games. We must reach the level of previous tournaments, "Monterrey assistant coach Carlos Bar told reporters.

Pumas, which fielded a lineup of four-man lock strikers Juan Carlos Cacho with his fifth goal in four games, Argentine Martin Bravo and a superb shot by Javier Cortes while your goalkeeper Alejandro Palacios had a good game.

Humberto Suazo of Chile scored one of the first part to Monterrey with a pen and Paraguayan midfielder Osvaldo Martinez a consolation final after Pumas had dominated the second half at the Olimpico.

VICTORY FOR AMERICA

Decided to dismiss American coach Manuel Lapuente and bring back Chilean Carlos Reinoso for a third spell at the Club also played for the immediate dividends paid during the 1970s.

Mexican Giants ended good beginning of Atlas of season with an away win 2-0 on Saturday with goals in the final 19 minutes of Argentina-born former Mexico forward Matias Vuoso and replace Angel Reyna.

"I think we're on the right track and deserved the victory because we never gave up on it. I'll be very choosy and America must be a team that always goes to dictate the game in any field from and against any rival, "Reinoso told reporters.

Atlas, however, continue to team with more points, nine after four matches. Pumas, San Luis and Toluca, now only three unbeaten sides are one point behind.

Guadalajara, who rival of America as the country's largest and most popular Club lost 1-0 for Estudiantes TECOS in derby City Western with a goal of time added by substitute Eduardo Lillingston on Friday night. They are equal with Monterrey on three points. (Written by Rex Gowar in Buenos Aires. View the original article here

Uruguay striker Suarez passes Liverpool medical

2011-01-31T00:48:00.000-08:00

Uruguay forward Luis Suarez is set to complete his transfer from Ajax Amsterdam to Liverpool on Monday after spending a doctor, the Premier League club said.

No details about the duration of the contract of 26.5 million (US $ 36.8 million) were given by Liverpool, who accepted the agreement on Friday.

"Luis Suarez has successfully updated your personal physician and with the player terms have been agreed. We hope to complete the remaining paperwork tomorrow, "the club said on its website (www.liverpoolfc.tv) on Sunday.

Suarez, 24, signed by Ajax in 2007 to EUR 7.5 million.

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Stuttgart sign Asian Cup winner Okazaki until 2014

2011-01-30T17:08:00.001-08:00

Winner of the Championship Asia Shinji Okazaki joined second low VfB Stuttgart in a shuttle Shimizu S-Pulse, the Bundesliga club said on Sunday.

Okazaki helped Japan lift Asia Cup with a 1-0 victory over Australia in the final in Doha on Saturday.

"I stepped on the plane while my teammates were still celebrating," said the 24-year-old in a presentation before the game at home against Freiburg.

"I hope I can contribute to make the team stronger," added Okazaki after signing a contract until 2014.

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RSL Announces programming training

2011-01-07T11:16:00.000-08:00

Real Salt Lake, which begins preseason camp later this month, opens the football season 2011 in Columbus, Ohio, in a game of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals against group on February 22. Leg two of the competition is scheduled for 1 March in Rio Tinto Stadium. The Major League Soccer season begins for RSL on March 19, in San first field of preseason training of Jose. RSL begins 23 January in World Sports great in Casa Grande, Arizona on February 2, real returns to Utah for training through February 6. Later, the team leaves from Phoenix, Arizona, on the 7th of February till 15 of February before another brief period in Salt Lake City is leaving its RSL. regular season best ever where he finished second in the Western Conference. Real lost to Dallas in the first round of the MLS Playoffs. Copyright 2010 The Salt Lake Tribune. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. blog comments powered by Disqus

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Football men's senior Matt Marcin Invited To MLS

2011-01-07T06:12:00.000-08:00

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Jan 5, 2011

Providence College Football men's senior Matt Marcin (Wilmington,.) was invited to the adidas 2011 of major League Soccer (MLS) Player combine on January 7-11 in Central Park of Broward County in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Marcin is among the 54 college seniors 36 NCAA Division I schools who will participate in the annual event. The annual combine is a prelude to the MLS SuperDraft that will be held on the 13th of January, in Baltimore, MD.

In 2010, Marcin finished as top scorer of the team with senior career goals (10), assists (4) and points (24). All 10 goals were more for a friar since 1991. In addition, four 10 goals of Marcin were the winners of the game. He was nominated for the NSCAA All-Northeast Region First Team, the All-BIG EAST First Team and won honors BIG EAST All-tournament Team. Their goals are connected 22 career for fifth record in Providence, while 53 points ranking seventh.

Marcin took the friars to one of its most successful seasons in the history of the program. Providence ended with a 13-6-3 overall record, a victory shy of tying a school record for most victories. The friars also went to the BIG EAST Championship final where tied Louisville No.1, 1-1 in double overtime, but fell into a shootout kick. Providence then won a vacancy in great NCAA tournament and hosted its first NCAA Championship game ever. The friars defeated Saint Peter, 6-2, on November 18 to advance to the second round for the second time. On your way to the NCAAs, the friars had a streak Invicta game of 10 (8-0-2), including seven consecutive victories.

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Lilly, giant national football team, retiring at 39

2011-01-06T21:19:00.000-08:00

Kristine Lilly, arguably one of the biggest female football players the world ever, is retiring from the game.
The average American 39-year-old scored a world record playing 352 times for the U.S. women's team.

She is the only player to participate at the World Championships of all five women, helping the American victory in 1991 and ' 99. Lilly played in three Olympic teams, winning the gold medal in 1996 and 2004.
The Wilton, Connecticut, native, starred at the University of North Carolina and was called to the u.s. team when she was 16.
Outside the field Lilly was shy and quiet, but in the field, she was a tough player with a thunderous. She also was a specialist in free. Lilly carved 130 goals and 105 assists American team, only second to Mia Hamm.

"I decided to retire from football game," Lilly said on its website (kristinelilly13. com) today. "It is time! I want to first thank all the fans for the support they gave me, cheering for me in the stands, watching and yelling at the TV, to the good I have gotten emails from many of you over the years. "

Lilly stepped away from the game to have a child in 2008, but returned to the national team last year, helping Americans to qualify for the World Cup this summer in Germany.
She played professionally for the Boston breakers on WUSA and WPS.

In 2006, Kristine Lilly was named the MVP of the three national tournaments, but it was forgotten by World Player award women FIFA.

Lilly "Has been a most amazing journey and one that began when he was six years old in my small town of Wilton, Connecticut," he said. "My favorite thing about football at that time were orange slices in half the time and I can honestly say that I'll lose the slices of orange but above all I will miss my friends and the comfort that the football field gave me."

The big changes-2014 FIFA World Cup, football governing body, could re-introduce the sudden death overtime in FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil. A panel FIFA, called "Task Force Football 2014" is also looking to dismantle overtime after tied knockout stage matches and changing the points assigned by WINS and falls within the opening-round game.

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Four USU football players Earn academic All-West Region Honors

2011-01-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

LOGAN, Utah-Four football players of the State of Utah were nominated for the national team Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) academic all-West Region; It was announced Wednesday. The medium Junior Chandra Salmon was named to the first team, while goalkeeper Molli Merrill, Defender summer Tillotson and honors the medium that Stefani Shiozaki won honorable mention.

Salmon, a native of Provo, Utah, won a 3. 48 in science of human movement to help lead the Red Sox in the classroom. She is a two-time all-Western Athletic Conference academic honoree. The Junior was the only player WAC honored as being the only player of hive State to be honored as a NSCAA Scholar All-America.

In the field, the medium has won honors all-WAC of first team for third-straight season. She is the first Aggie win first team honors his first three seasons. The defensive midfielder started every game this season. She played more than 1900 minutes this season. She was also named to the all-tournament team WAC for your tournament play in Ruston, La.

Merrill, a native Bountiful, Utah, won a 3. 48 GPA in the science of family and consumer last semester. She also won honors all-WAC academic last season.

Goalkeeper began to 19 of the State of Utah 21 matches. She finished the season with eight shutouts that was tied second in season-single shutouts. She 1716 minutes played last season was sixth all-time in history Aggie. Merrill also won honors all-WAC tournament in 2009.

Tillotson, a native of Sandy, Utah, won a 3.53 GPA in science of human movement. She also won honors all-WAC academic in 2008 and 2009.

Defender won his first tribute all-WAC when she was nominated for the second team. She started all 21 matches this season and is a part of the Aggie defense allowed only six goals in matches of Conference. Tillotson had a helper last season.

Shiozaki, a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, is the only one of four that won't be back next season. The senior had a 3.31 in science of human movement. She is a three times academic all-WAC honoree.

In the field, had one of its Shiozaki times more productive as a senior. She had six assists to six points. Shiozaki finished his career in State of Utah with nine assists and 15 points.

As a team, State of Utah captured the NSCAA Team Academic award after sending a grade point average of 3. 32. This is the eighth straight year-that the Red Sox already was honored with the NSCAA award.

Utah State finished the season with a 9-7-5 record, advancing to the WAC Tournament semifinal match. With a 5-2-1 record, USU was co-WAC regular season Champions with San Jose State.

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Brother Wayne Rooney, John, signs with the MLS

2011-01-06T08:22:00.000-08:00

Brother Wayne Rooney John is waiting to play football in the United States.

Forward to 20-year-old signed with Major League Soccer and will be eligible for selection in MLS draft next week in an important Convention of coaches in Baltimore.

Wayne Rooney, whose brother is a star against Manchester United, will be between 70 potential pro top that will show their talents on a five day combine at the 2011 MLS Player combine starting on Friday in Central Park of Broward County in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

Rooney has played for Macclesfield Town in League Two England and had a trial with Derby County Championship of England in 2009. He also had the tests with the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers.

Expansion Club Vancouver Whitecaps FC has the top draft pick in the Draft of the MLS, followed by the expansion of the Portland Timbers, DC United, Chivas USA and Philadelphia.

"There were some teams sniffing around the higher leagues but I wanted to change my career and go to the United States to build my own career there," said John Rooney mlsnet.com. "This is why I want to get there [USA]-so it's just me. And I want to build my own career through there and do my best. Hopefully I'll taste. "

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New England Soccer News honors Huskies GK Ford

2011-01-06T00:28:00.000-08:00

UConn goalie Josh Ford is the New England Soccer News Men's College player of the year.
Photo courtesy UConn Sports Information. University of Connecticut senior goalie Josh Ford was named New England Soccer News Men's College player of the year. He is also among the finalists for the Soccer Player of the year national News Network, which will be announced on January 6.

Ford is the second Husky to be honored as Grand Orient goalkeeper of the year. He started all 17 UConn s regular season games, allowing only five goals in more than 1550 minutes for g.a.a lowest in nation, 0.29. He made 52 saves to a no.912 save percentage, also the nation's best. Nine of its 11 regular season WINS were shutouts. In the championship game, led the Grand Orient in goals-against average (0.21) and save percentage (938).

Ford finished the season with 13 shutouts and closed his career UConn as leader of all times Huskies in shutouts (50), Victoria (54) and consecutive starts (85).

Ford is participating in Major League Soccer match and will be eligible for selection in next week's MLS SuperDraft.

Previous winners were those of New England Soccer News Men's College Player of the Year: 2007--Zack Simmons, UMass. 2008-Zack Simmons, UMass. 2009-Andre Akpan, Harvard.

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Donovan WINS US male Soccer Player of the Year Award

2011-01-05T16:48:00.001-08:00

Landon Donovan won the 2009 Player of the Year Award, becoming the only seven-time winner of the most prestigious prize in U.S. soccer.

The 28-year-old front had a successful year 2010, helping the United States reach the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup in South Africa in June. Was her ultimate goal against Algeria in minutes to departure in Pretoria, which allowed the United States to finish on top of your first group shot ahead of England is dying.

Donovan currently holds the record for most of US National Team goals with a total of 45 in 128 games.

Midfielder Michael Bradley was runner-up vote and forward Clint Dempsey was third. The award was created by Futbol de Primera and honored the footballer male American higher over the past 20 years. About 200 members of the media U.S. participated in the vote.

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Editors ' Roundtable: The Worst Of Soccer e.u.a. 2010-goal.com America

2010-12-29T09:27:00.000-08:00

Andrea Canales: OK, so guys, what were the worst moments of Football in the United States in 2010? I nominate the World Cup, Slovenia 2-0 (USA).

Allen Ramsey: number one for me has to be a mistake (s) against Ghana which led to the United States going down early and eventually losing in the round of 16. I would put in the first half against Slovenia as number three.

Shane Evans: Let's include MLS in these bad times as well. Then, without doubt, number two is line miss Kei Kamara for Wiz. Maybe a little high ... but that's the miss worst I have ever seen.

Seth Vertelney: I think we can generalize and say just the beginning of each game World Cup was a bad time e.u.a. even against Algeria, that hit the crossbar at the beginning and must be marked.

Ramsey: Where you would put Charlie Davies being stopped World Cup squad? I remember that this is a touching moment for those who thought he could make it back.

Vertelney: Yes, that occupies quite high when you factor in all the optimism going for the announcement and then classless reaction of Charlie blaming your club to not allow you to play.

Evans: and what about your DUI, too? Well, not your DUI, because he wasn't driving, but he still broke the curfew and was messing around with a DUI driver. I think it was in 2009, yet, however.

Vertelney: what about Nigel de Jong breaking leg Stuart Holden back in March during the USA/Netherlands friendly?

Ramsey: this has to be on the list. Holden was in very good shape to too long.

Evans: Good thing he recovered.

Vertelney: Yes, but isn't really rather than be effective for the World Cup.

Evans: not as massive, but Tim Howard leaving four goals from West Brom was ugly. Or anything that Freddy Adu did this entire year could be considered a great facepalm.

Ramsey: 2010 wasn't best year Tim Howard.

Canales: Klinsmann turning down the u.s. post about a pretty stingy detail was sad.

Vertelney: Yes, the entire United States coaching fiasco was very bad, too. Bradley has turned down for EPL jobs and then returned to the national team, knowing that it was him and second option of Gulati.

Canales: honestly, MLS Cup 2010 had to be the worst thing I remember, too. I'm really happy for the Rapids, but it was a terrible end football defensive-half left crowd and have an own goal fluke decide things? Lame.

Evans: very true, a. lamer was even be there. Nothing against the champions, though.

Zac Lee Rigg: like to criticize the decision of the MLS to hold conferences. This must have been an easy way to fix the playoff seeding the problem and make it more understandable the Championship. However, without knowing the new configuration, it is difficult to take a very harsh attitude about this decision.

Canales: can we include here-women of the United States losing to Mexico? Is not a good time to the # 1 team in the world.

Evans: whole Theie qualifying campaign was quite confusing.

Vertelney: that was bad, but he may end up helping them in 2011.

Rigg: Yes, that was rough. He got people paying attention to team once more, however. Humans love some drama.

Canales: Yes, well, unfortunately for the WPS, teams kept quietly dying. With little drama, teams of two recent Championship has cranked.

Evans: and of course, don't forget about the failed bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2022. However, as legitimate the vote was still is in the air.

Canales: there's a good chance that the u.s. campaign was doomed from the start. Morgan Freeman reading the wrong page of the script was still a good time, though.

Evans: Oh, the irony.

Canales: Yes, the screws of the actor up his footballer lines. The and former President do well.

Vertelney: the words "Qatar 2022" will give US nightmares of football fans for the next 12 years. For me, it was the worst moment of 2010 for the U.S. soccer.

Canales: IT should give nightmares FIFA-agriculture candidacy to more countries and moving dates? Bizarre.

Vertelney: FIFA has always and will continue to sleep soundly. This is the problem.

Evans: I would sleep soundly, too, with 10 million dollars under my pillow.

Canales: Media-wise, Seth, what would be the worst moment in 2010 football in the United States?

Vertelney: Andrea well, I'm glad you asked. I got 10 of those really, but this answer will be revealed in this week's media microscope-soon a site near you.

Canales: Nice, ok, after preview, let's wind things choosing low points that may have gone a little unnoticed, but could have repercussions in 2011. My opinion is that it was a big mistake u.s. football still not appoint a technical director. There is too much resting on Bradley and its very limited vision of things.

Ramsey: I would say to the demotion of Aarhus and having a guy like Benny Fielhaber, throwing in a championship so low. Is not a good thing for Americans abroad.

Vertelney: Yes, three important national team members have to get your Club classified situations in January, or going to be a problem comes to gold; Feilhaber, Jermaine Jones and Oguchi Onyewu.

Evans: I think the confusion in Liverpool is an interesting look at the American businessman. Hicks and Gillett screwed things both and Henry came to supposedly save the day, but I don't know how much it really will make ' fix ' Liverpool.

Rigg: I would have still harp on changes to MLS, because I'm boring and repetitive like that. Again, we haven't seen any of the new formats, but is not a very good time to be getting the wrong.

Canales: right. Well, that's our gaze to the worst-and while we will highlight the positive aspects of 2010 in future articles, those were definitely bad times. Our readers, I am sure, will have their own opinions about what were the worst as well, too.

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five best moments in U.S. soccer 2010

2010-12-29T01:33:00.000-08:00

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Updated: December 28, 2009, 9: 43 AM By Leander ET Schaerlaeckens
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It's been a big year for American men's soccer. The national team surprised most everyone by winning its group--with England, Algeria and Italy--at the World Cup in South Africa. It also had a legitimate shot to advance to the semifinals for the first time since 1930, when a mere 13 countries participated. Although Landon Donovan & co. fell just short against Ghana in a tough loss, that did little to damper the enthusiasm for the sport that continue sweeping through the U.S. during the tournament. Meanwhile, MLS # took another big step forward, thanks to high-profile player signings and an exciting playoffs.

Our five favorite moments from the memorable 2010:

5. The Rapids ' run to the MLS Cup

Although the Rapids weren't the sexiest or most gifted team in the league, and although they won it with a little luck, Colorado maximized its talent under the shrewd stewardship of Gary Smith. That's not to say the Rapids never dominated or displayed dazzling soccer, because they were capable of that too. But most of all, they were the likable bunch of guys who had been working toward the championship for years, spurred on by a dedicated and deserving base of fans.

4. U.S. 's comeback against Slovenia

Aside from the blown call by Malian referee Koman Coulibaly, which wiped the U.S. last-gasp winner off the record for the phantom foul, the American comeback will be this match's enduring legacy. The U.S. fell behind 2-0 in the first half, the score that looked to doom its chances of making it into the next round. But after several close calls, Donovan managed to pound the ball into the roof of the goal; in the 82nd minute, Michael Bradley did the same to keep the U.S. team's World Cup dream alive.

[+] Enlarge Gabriel Bouys/Getty ImagesMichael Bradley scores against Slovenia to keep the U.S. 's World Cup dreams alive.

3. New York Red Bulls sign Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez

Major League Soccer's credibility received a boost when the Red Bulls snapped up French forward Thierry Henry and Mexican midfielder Rafa Marquez in the summer. Critics contend Henry has lost a step. Fair enough. But he is still a delight to watch. Marquez, meanwhile, is the first player of his caliber to join the league at the peak of his powers. His best goal of the season was also his first, this rocket against Toronto.

2. Clint Dempsey's equalizing goal, thanks to a little rub of the Green

The U.S. had gotten its World Cup off to the worst of starts, allowing Steven Gerrard all the space he needed to put England ahead 1-0 in the fourth minute of each team's opening group game. Then the soccer gods smiled on the U.S. in a way not seen since the Giants upset the English 1-0 in the 1950 World Cup. In the 40th minute, forward Clint Dempsey twisted and turned, turned back and twisted some more before hitting an innocuous shot from about 25 yards from the goal. The ball skipped right in front of Robert Green and, well, you know the rest.

1. Landon Donovan scores against Algeria

It was almost midnight, the situation dire. The U.S. was in the 91st minute of the 0-0 game with Algeria, its final group stage game in South Africa. As it stood, the U.S. would be eliminated from the World Cup after a draw against England: fortuitous and an unlucky draw with Slovenia. Versus Algeria, chance after chance fell short, while an overzealous linesman downgraded Dempsey of the goal. And then--that moment of moments, the undisputed highlight of the year in American soccer, and some (including SportsCenter) say the American year in sports--Landon Donovan getting on the end of the ball to sweep it into the back of the net and send the U.S. into the next round. The goal was captivated an entire country, this YouTube video so poignantly illustrated.

Honorable mentions:

• Andy Najar's emergence

The Honduran-born, 17-year-old midfielder was the lone bright spot in D.C. United's dark season, and he has a chance of becoming the best player ever to come out of MLS, as this highlight reel suggests.

• Chris Wondolowski's wonderful season

It was an all-American story: Wondolowski transcended his modest talents to lead MLS in scoring (18 goals) and carry the San Jose Earthquakes to the Eastern Conference finals. His biggest goal? The game winner against New York in the conference semifinals.

• Stuart Holden's breakthrough

The Scottish-born midfielder potentially soul-crushing overcame setbacks--three unsuccessful trials in England, two broken legs and an attack by thugs outside a club--to break out the Bolton's playmaker and become the front-runner as the next USMNT star.

Leander Schaerlaeckens is a soccer writer for espn.com. He can be reached at leander.espn@gmail.com.

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Hertzog signs of Major League Soccer-gopsusports.com

2010-12-28T17:53:00.001-08:00

28th December 2010.

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. -Junior forward Corey Hertzog (reading, PA.), the leader of the nation in goals and points in 2010, decided to forgo his senior season at Penn State and sign a contract with the generation adidas. He will participate in the next major League Soccer Player combine and will be available for selection by the teams from MLS SuperDraft in 2011.

Generation adidas is a joint venture between Major League Soccer and American football. Players who join MLS as part of program generation adidas receive unprecedented opportunities to develop your game and improve your skills at the professional level. In addition to training and playing with one of the 18 professional clubs of major League Soccer, generation adidas, players will receive scholarships to promote their college education. Last year's Class of generation adidas players produced nine first round selections in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, including six of the seven main picks.

Hertzog will join fellow Penn State invited Matheus Braga (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), adidas 2011 of major League Soccer Player combine, which is scheduled for January 8-11 in Central Park, Regional Broward in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Training teams and managing all the teams from MLS # 18 will be in attendance to scout talent in the combine, concluding two days before the MLS SuperDraft 2011. The project will be held on Thurs, January 13, in Baltimore, MD. at the Baltimore Convention Center. In 2010, Hertzog, a selection of NSCAA First Team All-District and All-Second Team attacking American, emerged as the most dangerous nation in one of the top NCAA attack units, bringing together the most productive season offensive by a lion Nittany in 55 years and one of the largest in the history of the Big Ten.

The Hermann Trophy semifinalist and unanimous selection First Team All-Big Ten NCAA yielded a better 20 goals in 2010, the most by a player of Penn State, since the scorer of all time and future Hermann Trophy winner Jim Stamatis equalled mark in 1977. Goal of Hertzog total also classifies him fourth in program record book behind only Bill Fiedler (21, 1957), Jack Pinezich (23, 1952) and Dick Packer (24, 1955) and places it in the first place tie for most goals in a single season in the history of the Big Ten with Indiana Dema Kovalenko (1997) and Aleksey Korol (1999).

With 46 points, Hertzog sits in second place from Penn State and Big Ten season points ranking, trailing only Packer (50, 1955) and Korol (50, 1999), respectively. In 2010, it also has established itself as the holder of record all-time Penn State for shots in a season, totaling 115, break 33-year old mark Stamatis 95.

Highlight season Hertzog were several outstanding efforts. In a decisive 4-1 win over Old Dominion in a contest the second round of the NCAA Championship 2010, he totaled three goals, the second "hat trick" of his career and a helper to lead Nittany Lions first victory of NCAA postseason programme since 2005. His seven points you are classified in the second draw for the ultimate in a single game in the history of Big Ten place and he remains the only lonely player to make the first two from the list based on a performance of the NCAA championship game. Vs. Binghamton, Hertzog totaling six points, scoring two goals, including a game-winning 45-yard and registering two assists to lead Penn State in a non-Conference victory. The winner of the game in a 2-1 upset of no. 6 Michigan State helped the Nittany Lions wins his first Big Ten win of the season. During the heart of the season, he caught fire, mark at least one goal in 10 of 11 games.

In recognition of its exceptional season 2010, Hertzog was honored as the player of the year national topdrawersoccer.com and was named First Team All-America by College Soccer News and a First Team MVP by Soccer America. During the season, he won three national player of the week Awards, and was selected for six national teams of the week. Hertzog also was recognized as the classic Wolstein and MVP of the tournament team All-Big Ten Tournament.

Hertzog ranks 13th in career points list of Penn State, totaling 80 points (33 goals, 2 assists) in three years (61 games).

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