Soccer - US Style

Heinze Denied Move to Liverpool

2007-08-21T11:26:00.000-04:00

A Premier League arbitration panel sided with Manchester United, and will not allow Argentinian defender Gabriel Heinze to transfer to hated rivals Liverpool. Heinze will be allowed to transfer to an international club, but the august 31st deadline for such a move is rapidly approaching.

It's worthy of noting that the last time a player was transferred between the two clubs was in 1964.

French Ligue 1 side Lyon are reportedly interested in signing Heinze. Heinze played for Paris St. Germain before signing with United.

On the subject of Heinze's relationship with Manchester United, Sir Alex Ferguson had this to say, prior to the arbitration panel's ruling, "He has not become an alien within the squad," said Ferguson. "He is a very popular player."

"Obviously, the meeting on 20 August will settle it one way or another...once it is settled, if he is still a Manchester United player, he will be treated accordingly. He is a warrior and a fighter. He won't let us down."

Article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/m/man_utd/6954531.stm

Cristiano Ronaldo: 3 Match Ban Unjust

2007-08-21T08:34:00.000-04:00

With two more games remaining in his 3 match supension, Cristiano Ronaldo has gone public with his feelings regarding the decision. He is quoted in the Daily Mirror as saying, "I am frustrated because three matches is unjust." He would go on to say, "I didn't give a head-butt. I didn't do anything to get sent off. I'm not an aggressive player and the TV images show that I didn't want to do anything bad.

The ban stems from an incident in Fratton Park when Ronaldo attempted to headbutt Portsmouth's Richard Hughes. United Boss Sir Alex Ferguson has held Ronaldo to account for giving in to provocation saying, "my take is he was provoked and he has fallen for it - you have to have a bit of calmness."

This is the third red card of Ronaldo's career. He will not be available again for his club until their September 15th match against Everton.

Read the article here: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=455267&cc=5901

Referee Dropped for Blunder at Anfield

2007-08-20T13:45:00.000-04:00

Rob Styles, the referee who awarded a controversial penalty to Chelsea in Sunday's match against Liverpool, has been dropped from next week's matches and forced to apologize for his poor decision.

Styles was quoted as saying, "Yesterday, in mistakenly awarding a penalty, I accept that I may have affected the result of the match and for that I apologise."

Something tells me that Rafael Benitez and the Liverpool faithful will be reluctant to accept his apology. The penalty he awarded allowed Chelsea to draw level in a big early season match.

Here's a link to the article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2007/08/20/ufnstyles120.xml

What Did He Say?

2007-08-19T13:32:00.000-04:00

Marco Materazzi has finally revealed the insult that he hurled at Zinedine Zidane during the 2006 World Cup in Germany. Page 21 of his soon-to-be released autobiography reveals the insult to be, "I prefer the whore that is your sister".

This was apparently uttered after the players were tugging each other’s shirts during a set-piece in the Italian penalty area when Zidane turned to Materazzi and said “If you really want my shirt, you can have it after the match.”

As we all know, this resulted in the Headbutt heard 'round the world, and Zidane's ejection from the match.

Editorial question: What’s more surprising; Zidane’s reaction? or the lameness of that insult?

Here's a link to the article: http://sports.yahoo.com/sow/news;_ylt=AgPR8wpqQU3DTA07_D1zQb85nYcB?slug=ap-materazzi-zidane&prov=ap&type=lgns

Man City 1-0 Man Utd

2007-08-19T13:11:00.000-04:00

Manchester City sits atop the premiership table following a stunning defeat of cross-town rivals Manchester United. Sven-goran Eriksson is looking like the best manager in the prem at the moment, as the Citizens turn their backs on 30 years of futility with a dream 3-0 start in league play.

United's troubles may continue, as they will face a resurgent Tottenham Hotspur side next Sunday at Old Trafford. One has to wonder if the Red Devils have already blown their chance at another league title just three games into the season...

Here's a link to the article:
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=221298&cc=5901

Injury News for Fulham

2007-08-18T12:22:00.000-04:00

I hate to turn this blog into an injury report, but this story is more than relevant to US Soccer. Former US international and current Fulham captain Brian McBride was stretchered off the pitch on Saturday after scoring The Cottager's first goal against Middlesborough.

Though the full extent of the injury is not yet known, the 35 year old went down without contact; a bad sign for any player.

McBride was Fulham's leading scorer and player of the year for the 2006-2007 season. Those of us that remember his years of service for the USMNT wish him a speedy recovery.

Rapids Coach Clavijo Fires Back

2007-08-18T00:29:00.000-04:00

Colorado Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo has fired back at fans who are calling for his dismissal. He was quoted in the Denver Post as saying, "I question those fans. How really true fans are they?" He also went on to say, "Buying a ticket doesn't give you the right to insult people. I do not like the (protest) signs. I cannot go and argue with the fans. But this is nothing. The day that I'm not able to feed my kids, that's pressure. Soccer is not pressure."

Numerous fans showed up to a Rapids home game holding "Fire Clavijo" banners and brandishing pink slips. This comes in response to a 10 game winless streak and a long-simmering dissatisfaction with Clavijo's stewardship of the team.

It's also notable that some dissatisifed fans have been operating a website entitled FireClavijo.com. Link.

MLS-a-polluza!!

2007-08-16T22:40:00.000-04:00

MLS and Adidas have partnered to release anthems written by some well-known music acts about their favorite MLS teams. The tracks can be streamed or downloaded for free. Here are the titles/artists:

Akwid: "¡Chivas Explosivas!" (Chivas USA)
Bad Brains: "D.C. United" (D.C. United)
Barenaked Ladies: "TFC" (Toronto FC)
Blackpool Lights: "Ain't Nobody Gonna Stop Us Now" (Kansas City Wizards)
Damone: "Revolution" (New England Revolution)
Mike Jones: "Houston Dynamo (Don't Play)" (Houston Dynamo)
Kinky: "We Are the Galaxy" (L.A. Galaxy)
Meg & Dia: "The Mighty R-E-A-L" (Real Salt Lake)
OK Go: "Here Comes the Fire" (Chicago Fire)
The Polyphonic Spree: "H-O-O-P-S Yes!" (FC Dallas)
The Rapture: "Whoo! Alright, Yeah... Uh Huh" (New York Red Bulls)
RJD2: "It's Your Crew" (Columbus Crew)
Rose Hill Drive: "Goal!" (Colorado Rapids)

And here is the link

My only question? Why aren't Adidas and MLS doing more to promote this? Love it or hate it, it's an attempt to publicize MLS and I think we can all agree that there's nothing wrong with that.

Injury to Insult: Part Deux

2007-08-16T22:38:00.001-04:00

Tottenham Hotspur just can't catch a break. First, they lose their first two matches (including a humiliating 3-1 home loss to Everton) and now they've learned that they will be without their star forward Dimitar Berbatov. He's off to see a specialist in Germany, and then he's going to need at least a few weeks to recover.

Can things get any worse for Martin Jol and the Spurs?

Who is Bervatov??? lookie here....

Beckham Goal video.

2007-08-16T09:55:00.001-04:00

Enjoy:

Beckham scores free kick: 27th minute!!!

2007-08-15T22:38:00.000-04:00

Woooo Hooo!!!!

That was totally worth the wait.. I take back all the negatives I have put out there. Left top corner, against the side netting.. It was awesome!!!

I hope this is just the first of many.

go Galaxy!!!!

Beckham playing tonight in SuperLiga match.

2007-08-15T20:23:00.000-04:00

I don't know how I feel about this. This means that Becks will probably not play on Saturday in their MLS match, because he is bound to have a sore ankle, again. If I am a Galaxy fan, I am pissed that we are gambling playing Becks tonight and not resting him up for this weekend. Buh Bye Playoffs!

Nasty Messi goal agains Bayern

2007-08-15T18:04:00.001-04:00

Check it out:

Adu plays in first Benfica match! Beckham.. take note.

2007-08-14T20:22:00.000-04:00

Freddy played 53 minutes today in their game against FC Copenhagen in Champion's League qualifiers. Benfica seems to have the 18 year old as part of their plan this season and will rely on him to meet their goals. It is exciting that he gets to play next to people like Rui Costa.

Read about it here.

Nike denies creating soccer boot that hurt Rooney.

2007-08-13T20:31:00.000-04:00

I can't believe you have to release a statement about this. Apparently Rooney was wearing some new boots from Nike that were being tested by about 20% of EPL players that day. Some fans were crying that the shoe caused Rooney to go down for the third time in his career due to foot issues.
I think this is all an evil plan by the US government...

read the article here.

JPA is back!

2007-08-12T20:51:00.000-04:00

Angel scored his 10th goal today against Toronto. I actually think he should have been awarded te second goal as well, but they gave it to Atidore.

Here are the MLSnet.com highlights

Injury to insult!!

2007-08-12T20:42:00.000-04:00

After failing to secure the full three points against Reading in their
home opener, Manchester united received another serious blow when X-Rays revealed a hair-line fracture in Wayne Rooney's left foot. He got the injury in a tangle with Michael Duberry near the end of the first half. Although Wayne played on for a bit, he had to come off before the start of the second half due to the pain.

He could be out for up to three months...if only ManU had signed some
Argentinean scoring machine to take his place...

St. Louis MLS team?

2007-08-11T11:27:00.000-04:00

A group called St Louis Soccer United (hopefully not the team name) is presenting their proposal to the city council on Monday to build an 18,500 seat Soccer Specific Stadium. Apparently they already have the backing of the Mayor and a significant amount of funding. They hope to start playing in 2009.

Here is St Louis Soccer United's website (I hope they keep that badge/logo)

And here is a slideshow of the proposed stadium:

Good Luck St Louis!

Beckham finally works!!

2007-08-09T23:06:00.000-04:00

Beckham finally came into the game against Washington DC with about 20 minutes left in the game, right after Martino got a red card for a ridiculous tackle on Fred. It was pretty bad.

Beckham actually organized the midfield and the team played a lot better with him on the pitch, had a couple of good crosses and a pretty nasty through ball to Donovan.

I wish Donovan would not suck!

Tevez-Gate finally over!!!

2007-08-03T10:39:00.001-04:00

Carlitos Tevez is now finally a Manchester united player. He had his medical this morning before heading to the training grounds to meet his new teammates. £2million it took to get Mr. Tevez out of West ham and next to Rooney. Everyone is glad to see the deal closed. Tevez starts next week!

That offense is ridiculous! I put it up there with the Barcelona offense any day.

9 Yr old Rhain Davis signed with Manchester United!

2007-08-02T12:21:00.000-04:00

Seriously, this kid got signed after his parents sent a DVD to Man-U. He is freaken amazing!!!

I can't wait for him to play there, then start going downhill and come to the MLS!!!

Check him out:

Member of US U-20 team headed to Aston Villa!

2007-07-31T21:17:00.000-04:00

Wooooo Hoooo!

go young American Players!!!

Eric Lichaj has just been signed by Aston Villa (England). this is why it is so important to have a good showing in those U20 and U18 World Cups. Players get signed young and get a chance to develop in the best soccer leagues in the world!

I get excited when young players go abroad, I see them representing us in World Class Soccer!!!!

I wish others would smarten up and take the oportunities as they come and not choose to stay and play for the Wizards...

W00t!

Heinze's move still a bunch of drama.

2007-07-31T21:09:00.000-04:00

Furguson (Man-U) basically said he will rather lose his left testicle than let Heinze sign with arch-nemesis Liverpool. Heinze wants the move, and is seeking counsel to see if a letter he has from Furguson is enough for him to leave. Apparently this letter states that any team with a 6.8 M bid can sign Heinze.

We will see what happens here, but maybe Furguson should stay away from Argentine players.

Tevez-Gate date finally set! Aug 22nd

2007-07-31T21:03:00.000-04:00

So Furguson (Man-U) is still confident about Tevez arriving before the Aug 31st deadline. West ham is still confident the ruling will go their way. Tevez has no comment. So basically, everything is still the same, but now we know when things will be decided.

Let's get this over already!!!!

Read about it Here

Soccer on the Front Page of CNN.COM?

2007-07-29T13:37:00.000-04:00

Yup, that's right!!!

Iraq won the Asia Cup, they beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 today to clinch the title. The only way CNN puts soccer on the front page is if it has to do with the war. I am very happy for the Iraquis, I hope they make a good showing in the World Cup.

Congrats!!!