The Free Kicks Report

New ESPN commercial for the World Cup

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 19:31:00 +0000

Why Raleigh Deserves Consideration as MLS Moves Southeast

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 13:18:00 +0000

Check out this story - hope one day their are actual headlines announcing the Raleigh MLS team - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2010567-mls-expansion-why-raleigh-deserves-consideration-as-mls-moves-southeast?utm_content=bufferf8e87&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer%3Fis_shared%3Dtrue%3Fis_shared%3Dtrue

Daily Soccer Links - 3/27

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Thu, 27 Mar 2014 16:49:00 +0000

Soccerly.com posted an exclusive interview with MLS Commish Don Garber on a wide range of league topics.
Goal.com takes a stab at predicting the US starting line-up for the World Cup.
The guys over at MLSsoccer.com look in the chances of Seattle defender DeAndre Yedlin making the World Cup roster.
Interesting story outside of the US, as UEFA has approved the 'Nations League' which will replace Euro qualifying and see nations placed in a promotion / relegation system.
Stadium news is always interesting reading (if even it may all be rumors), and Roma looks to grab headlines with these drawings. Back in the US, Orlando laid out some details about their proposed stadium, without renderings.
Week 4 Fantasy Advice with some players to pick-up and those to avoid.
And finally, here is a MLS scouting report at one of the new stars of the 2014's early season after just three weeks - FC Dallas midfielder Mauro Diaz.

Daily Soccer Links - 3/26

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 22:39:00 +0000

There is a new #1 on top of the MLS Power Rankings this week.
Even though they are still a year away from seeing action NYC FC has started the marketing campaign around town with their new badge.
Great news for the US Men's National Team as FIFA has approved Julian Green's switch to the US.
The Toronto v. DC match-up from this past weekend set a new MLS ratings record for Canadian sports channel TSN.
Shakira has released a new soccer track in time for World Cup 2014.
Simon Borg is back for a look at week 3's questionable calls and plays in Instant Replay.
MLS Fantasy best buys of the week.

Daily Soccer Links - 3/25

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 12:33:00 +0000

Here are the updated standings after week 3 action. We have a three way tie across the top of the east - and all three teams have only played two games. FC Dallas holds the current Western Conference lead, as well as the overall table at 7 points after 3 games.
Stadium News - Images have 'leaked' of the proposed stadium for Beckham's Miami team. We aren't sure how accurate these will be, or if he will even got that land, but if these images do come to be reality it will be great for the league.
Big sponsorship news as Etihad Airways, the airline connected to sponsoring Manchester City and NYC FC has agreed to terms to become a league wide sponsor for MLS. This greatly increases the profile for the group in the MLS, but will also help everyone financially. A win all around.
Cast your vote for the Week 3 Goal of the Week, my pick is Goal #1 from Anor.
Here is a look at the nominees for Week 3 Save of the Week. While there were several good ones this week, I've got to go with the midfielder Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi.
MLS Trivia: Two more in the 'MLS coaches who played in the league' question:

Daily Soccer Links - 3/24 (Weekend Recap)

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 16:55:00 +0000

Week 3 Highlights:

MLS Trivia: The next entrants in the 'MLS coaches who played in the league' question:

MLS Attendance Blog has updated the figures from week 3. Currently the MLS is seeing roughly a 1,000 fan jump over the 2013 season numbers. Montreal and Toronto have the largest jumps.

Daily Soccer Links - 3/21

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Fri, 21 Mar 2014 14:18:00 +0000

MLS TV Schedule for the weekend - LA Galaxy take on Real Salt Lake on NBC Sports at 4 pm ET.
New York City FC has revealed their first badge, based on an online
MLS Trivia: The next entrants in the 'MLS coaches who played in the league' question:

MLS Fantasy - Buy, Sell or Hold for Week 3 match-ups.
Anatomy of a Goal - Week 2's debut goal by Jermaine Defoe.
Stadium news in the USL as both the Harrisburg City Islanders and the Dayton Dutch Lions revealed upcoming stadium plans. Always glad to see soccer expansion news and soccer specific stadiums.
Scouting Report is back for a Week 3 look at the New England Revolution taking on the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Daily Soccer Links - 3/20

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 21:07:00 +0000

It was a disappointing night for the MLS in the CONCACAF Champions League, as both Sporting KC and San Jose were knocked out of the quarter-finals during their second leg match-ups. Is the MLS schedule a reason for this drop off during the knock-out rounds or just talent levels?

Sporting KC Highlights - Routed at home.
San Jose Highlights - Heart breaker in penalty kicks.

Toronto FC had a big upgrade in the player personnel department this off-season and it looks like they will be matching those efforts in the coming off-season to upgrade their facilities. Renovations are to include upgrade the seating capacity from roughly 21K to 30K and build a partial roof that will cover the seating area.
MLS Trivia is back, this time the question is which head coaches played in the MLS. The first two entrants are:

Vancouver head coach Carl Robinson.
Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes
Houston Dynamo defender Corey Ashe

The MLS referees and the league have come to an agreement to end the lockout and resume work this coming weekly. Luckily even the replacement refs who stepped in for two weeks were not the running story.
The Carolina Railhawks (NASL) have signed former player Jun Marques Davidson from the Vancouver Whitecaps. Davidson appeared for the Railhawks 54 times over the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

MLS Daily Links - 3/19

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Wed, 19 Mar 2014 15:25:00 +0000

Tough night for the MLS as the LA Galaxy fell 4-2 to Club Tijuana and were knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions League. Check out the highlights here. Hopefully San Jose and/or Sporting KC will fair better tonight in their second legs.
The MLS show from 2013, MLS Insider, which aired on NBC Sports is returning, but to KickTV (a YouTube site). While it's great to see this quality built program continue I don't think the move to a YouTube channel was the right now.
The US has stolen prized 18 year old Julian Green from the Germany national team, who has filed paperwork to play with the US Men's National Team.
Here is some early week MLS fantasy advice on players to add or drop.
Simon Borg takes a look back at all the disciplinary calls and fouls the referees missed in week 2's Instant Reply.
Another day another move to the MLS rumor - this time David Villa is the man in question.

MLS Daily Links - 3/18

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Tue, 18 Mar 2014 17:08:00 +0000

Video package of some of the highlights from week 2 all wrapped up in two minutes.
Here are the updated MLS standings after Week 2. Houston stands alone as the only two win team at the moment.
PST is reporting Cambiasso to the MLS, and that Lampard is yet again linked to a deal with the LA Galaxy.
MLS Week 2 Power Rankings.
Tonight the CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinals conclude with the second leg for the LA Galaxy playing down in Mexico. Here is a preview of the match-up.
MLS Team Capsule - San Jose Earthquakes - A quick 1 minute video previewing the team for the 2014 season.

World Cup 2014 Video Game Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 19:38:00 +0000

Check out the new features of EA Sports' FIFA World Cup 2014 video game - Article.

MLS Daily Links - 3/17

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Mon, 17 Mar 2014 19:37:00 +0000

Week 2 is in the books. Here are the daily links to get you caught up on all the action around the league:

Week 2 Match-up Highlights:

Chivas USA vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
Portland Timbers vs. Chicago Fire (Spanish only)
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake
Sporting KC vs. FC Dallas
Houston Dynamo vs. Montreal Impact
Seattle Sounders vs. Toronto FC - The debut of Jermaine Defoe and re-debut of Michael Bradley
NY Red Bulls vs. Colorado Rapids
Philadelphia Union vs. New England Revolution

Sports Illustrated release their annual 'Ambition Rankings'. Interesting note that the Portland Timbers have a 9,000 member wait list for season tickets.
MLS Week 2 Goal of the Week Nominees
MLS Week 2 Save of the Week Nominees
Finally, to end on a lighter note here some Week 2 Bloopers.

MLS Daily Links - 3/14

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Fri, 14 Mar 2014 14:55:00 +0000

Another MLS weekend is upon us, here are some links to help the Friday pass by a bit quicker:

A reminder of how the table looks after week 1 - MLS Standings
We are in for quite a MLS game of the week as the new look Toronto FC take on Seattle Sounders in front of another ~40K crowd. The game will air on NBCSports at 4:30. Here is a look at the full MLS weekend schedule.
MLS Team Capsule time, today's entry is the Colorado Rapids.
The updated FIFA world rankings were released yesterday with the USA falling one spot to 14th.
Many people complain about diving, the MLS Disciplinary Committee is already up to speed fining the first diver of the season - DC United's Luis Silva.
Need some MLS Fantasy advice - check out this week 2 line-up video.

SirusXM to expand MLS coverage

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 16:11:00 +0000

Satielite radio provider SirusXM announced today that they are expanding their MLS coverage to include a game of the week, All-star game and playoff coverage. Read more of the details here at MLS.com - SiriusXM to offer extensive, live coverage of Major League Soccer during 2014 season

MLS Daily Links

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 13:27:00 +0000

CONCACAF Champions League Highlights: LA Galaxy (USA) vs. Club Tijuana (MEX) - Check out the save by Penedo around the 1:10 mark.
CONCACAF Champions League Highlights: Sporting KC (USA) vs. Cruz Azul (MEX) - Two goal line saves by Sporting KC in the second half, including one by Ike Opara (Durham native!)
Update of the CONCACAF Champions League Bracket
MLS Team Capsules - Vancouver Whitecaps FC - See how they plan to replace the 2013 golden boot winner.
It's MLS quiz time again, 3 more current players attempt to name the top 20 goalscorers in 60 seconds:

Mike Petke the head coach of the NY Red Bulls has signed a contract extension.
And finally an educational segment for the day. MLS' Soccer Jargon 101 segment is back with the Evolution of Formations.

MLS - Top 20 leading goalscorers in MLS history quiz (videos)

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 18:02:00 +0000

Watch as current MLS players attempt to name the top 20 goalscorers in MLS history, in 60 seconds:

Dillon Powers - http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2014/03/12/dillon-powers-takes-mls-leading-goalscorer-quiz
Nick Rimando - http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2014/03/12/nick-rimando-takes-mls-leading-goalscorer-quiz
Drew Moor - http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2014/03/12/drew-moor-takes-mls-leading-goalscorer-quiz
Steven Lenhart - http://www.mlssoccer.com/video/2014/02/21/steven-lenhart-takes-mls-leading-goalscorer-quiz

Soccer TV Schedule for the week of 9/11

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:28:00 +0000

Saturday (11th):
- EPL: Everton v Manchester United - 7:40am - FSP
- EPL: Manchester City v Blackburn - 9:55am - FSP
- EPL: Chelsea vs. West Ham - 9:55am - ESPN2
- EPL: Arsenal vs. Bolton - 10am - FSC
- EPL: West Brom vs. Tottenham - 12pm - FSC
- Championship: Burnley v Preston North End - 12:10pm - FSP
- Serie A: AC Milan vs. Cesena - 2:30pm - FSC
- Serie A: Inter Milan v Udinese - 2:30pm - FSP
- MLS: Chicago vs. Philadelphia - 6pm - FSC
- WPS: FC Gold Pride vs. Philadelphia - 8:30pm - FSC

Sunday (12th):
- Serie A: Brescia v Palermo - 6:30am - FSP
- EPL: Newcastle vs. Blackpool - 8:30am - FSP
- Serie A: Juventus vs. Sampdoria - 9am - FSC
- EPL: Birmingham City vs. Liverpool - 11am - FSC
- EPL: Wigan v Sunderland - 12:30pm - FSP
- Serie A: Napoli vs. Bari - 2:30pm - FSC
- Ligue 1: Olympique de Marseille v AS Monaco FC - 3pm - FSP

Tuesday (14th):
- UEFA CL: FC Twente (NED) v FC Internazionale Milano (ITA) - 2:30pm - FSC
- UEFA CL: SV Werder Bremen (GER) v Tottenham Hotspur FC (ENG) - 2:30pm - FSP
- UEFA CL: Manchester United FC (ENG) v Rangers FC (SCO) - 5pm - FSC
- CONCACAF CL: Columbus (USA) v Joe Public (TRI) - 8pm - FSC
- CONCACAF CL: Saprissa (CRC) v Seattle Sounders (USA) - 10pm - FSC

Wednesday (15th):

- UEFA CL: MSK Zilina (SVK) v Chelsea FC (ENG) - 2:30pm - FSC

- UEFA CL: Arsenal FC (ENG) v SC Braga (POR) - 2:30pm - FSP

- UEFA CL: Real Madrid CF (ESP) v AFC Ajax (NED) - 5pm - FSC

- CONCACAF CL: Real Salt Lake (USA) v Toronto FC (CAN) - 10pm - FSC

Friday (17th):

- NCAA Mens: Duke vs. UNC - 6:30pm - FSC

- NCAA Womens: Duke vs. Florida - 8:30pm - FSC

Soccer TV Schedule for the week of 9/4

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 02:35:00 +0000

Saturday (4th):
- MLS: DC United vs. Columbus Crew - 7pm - FSC

Sunday (5th):
- WPS: Chicago vs. Washington - 6pm - FSC

Tuesday (7th):
- Euro U-21 Championship Qualifier: England vs. Lithuania - 11am - FSC

Thursday (9th):
- NCAA Women: Louisville vs. Kentucky - 7pm - FSC
- MLS: Seattle Sounders vs. Real Salt Lake - 11pm - ESPN2

Friday (10th):
- NCAA Men: Virginia Tech vs. South Florida - 8pm - FSC

Soccer TV Schedule for the week of 8/28

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 23:27:00 +0000

Saturday (28th):
- EPL: Arsenal vs. Blackburn - 7:30am - ESPN2
- EPL: Tottenham vs. Wigan - 10am - FSC
- EPL: Chelsea vs. Stoke City - 10am - FSP
- Serie A: Udinese vs. Genoa - 12pm - FSP
- EPL: Manchester United vs. West Ham - 12:30pm - FSC
- Serie A: Roma vs. Cesena: - 2:30pm - FSC
- USL-2: Championship: Richmond vs. Charleston - 6pm - FSC
- MLS: Colorado vs. Houston - 9:30pm - FSC

Sunday (29th):
- EPL: Bolton vs. Birmingham - 8:25am - FSP
- EPL: Everton vs. Aston Villa - 11am - FSC
- Serie A: Juventus vs. Bari - 12pm - FSP
- Serie A: AC Milan vs. Lecce - 2:30pm - FSC
- Ligue 1: Bordeaux vs. Marseille - 3pm - FSP
- WPS: Philadelphia vs. Boston - 6pm - FSC
- MLS: DC United vs. Chivas USA - 10pm - ESPN2

Monday (30th):
- Serie A: Inter Milan vs. Bologna - 2:30pm - FSC

Friday (3rd):
- Euro 2012 Qualifier: England vs. Bulgaria - 3pm - FSC
- NCAA: South Carolina vs. Clemson - 8pm - FSC

TV Schedule for the Week of 8/21

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 20:10:00 +0000

Saturday (21st):
- Championship: Coventry City vs. Derby County - 7am - FSP
- EPL: Arsenal vs. Blackpool - 9:55am - ESPN2
- EPL: Stoke City vs. Tottenham - 10am - FSP
- EPL: Everton vs. Wolverhampton - 10am - FSC
- EPL: Chelsea vs. Wigan - 12pm - FSC
- EPL: West Ham vs. Bolton - 2:30pm - FSC
- MLS: Dallas vs. Chivas USA - 8:30pm - FSC

Sunday (22nd):
- EPL: Newcastle United vs. Aston Villa - 8:30am - FSP
- EPL: Fulham vs. Manchester United - 11am - FSC
- Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bordeaux - 3pm - FSP
- WPS: Chicago vs. FC Gold Pride - 6pm - FSC

Monday (23rd):
- EPL: Manchester City vs. Liverpool - 2:55pm - ESPN2

Tuesday (24th):
- UEFA Champions League: Anderlecht (BEL) vs. Partizan (SRB) - 2:30pm - FSC
- UEFA Champions League: Hapoel Tel-Aviv (ISR) vs. Salzburg (AUT) - 2:30pm - FSP
- UEFA Champions League: Sampdoria (ITA) vs. Werder Bremen (GER) - 5pm - FSC
- CONCACAF Champions League: Arabe Unido (PAN) vs. Toronto (CAN) - 8pm - FSC
- CONCACAF Champions League: Santos (MEX) vs. Columbus (USA) - 10pm - FSC

Wednesday (25th):

- UEFA Champions League: Tottenham (ENG) vs. Young Boys (SUI) - 2:30pm - FSC

- UEFA Champions League: Auxerre (FRA) vs. Zenit St. Petersburg (RUS) - 2:30pm - FSP

- UEFA Champions League: Ajax (NED) vs. Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) - 5pm - FSC

- CONCACAF Champions League: Cruz Azul (MEX) vs. Real Salt Lake (USA) - 8pm - FSC

- CONCACAF Champions League: Seattle (USA) vs. Monterrey (MEX) - 10pm - FSC

Thursday (26th):
- UEFA Champions League Group Stage Draw Show - 12pm - FSC
- Carling Cup: Birmingham City vs. Rochdale - 2:30pm - FSP

Friday (27th):
- UEFA Super Cup: Inter Milan (ITA) vs. Atletico Madrid (ESP) - 2:30pm - FSC

TV Schedule for the Week of 8/14

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:17:00 +0000

Note: All game times are in Eastern Standard Time and additional UEFA Champions League matches will be re-playing Tuesday through Friday.

Saturday (14th):
- EPL: Tottenham vs. Manchester City - 7:30am - ESPN2
- EPL: Aston Villa vs. Wigan - 10am - FSC
- EPL: Blackburn vs. Everton - 10am - FSP (Fox Soccer Plus)
- Championship: Leicester City v Middlesbrough - 12pm - FSP
- EPL: Chelsea vs. West Bromwich - 12:30 - FSC
- EPL: Wolverhampton vs. Stoke City - 2pm - FSP
- EPL: Fulham vs. Bolton - 2:30pm - FSC
- MLS: LA Galaxy vs. New York Red Bulls - 6pm - FSC

Sunday (15th):
- Championship: Nottingham Forest v Leeds United - 8am - FSP
- EPL: Sunderland vs. Birmingham City - 10:30am - FSP
- EPL: Arsenal vs. Liverpool - 11am - FSC
- Ligue 1: LOSC Lille Metropole v Paris Saint-Germain - 3pm - FSP
- WPS: Boston Breakers vs. Sky Blue FC - 6pm - FSC

Monday (16th):
- EPL: Manchester United vs. Newcastle - 2:30pm - ESPN2

Tuesday (17th):

- UEFA Champions League: Rosenborg BK (NOR) v FC København (DEN) - 2:30pm - FSP

- UEFA Champions League: FC Dynamo Kyiv (UKR) v AFC Ajax (NED) - 2:30pm - FSC

- UEFA Champions League: Tottenham (ENG) vs. Young Boys (SWI) - 5pm - FSC

- CONCACAF Champions League: Toronto (CAN) vs. Cruz Azul (MEX) - 8pm - FSC

Wednesday (18th):

- UEFA Champions League: SV Werder Bremen (GER) v UC Sampdoria (ITA) - 2:30pm - FSC

- UEFA Champions League: FK Partizan (SRB) v RSC Anderlecht (BEL) - 2:30pm - FSC

- UEFA Champions League: SC Braga (POR) v Sevilla FC (ESP) - 5pm - FSP

- CONCACAF Champions League: Columbus (USA) v Municipal (GUA) - 8pm - FSC

- CONCACAF Champions League: Real Salt Lake (USA) v Arabe Unido (PAN) - 10pm - FSC

Thursday (19th):

- CONCACAF Champions League: Marathon (HON) v Seattle Sounders (USA) - 10pm - FSC

TV Schedule for the Week of 8/7

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:33:00 +0000

Saturday (7th):
- Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain vs. AS Saint-Etienne - 3pm - FSC
- International Friendly: LA Galaxy (USA) vs. Real Madrid (SPA) - 10pm - FSC

Sunday (8th):
- FA Community Shield: Chelsea vs. Manchester United - 10am - FSC
- MLS: FC Dallas vs. Philadelphia Union - 6pm - FSC
- WPS: Philadelphia Independence vs. Boston Breakers - 8pm - FSC
- MLS: Chicago Fire vs. New York Red Bulls - 9pm - FSC

Monday (9th):
- EPL 2010/2011 Season Preview Show - 9pm - FSC

Tuesday (10th):
- International Friendly U-21: England vs. Uzbekistan - 2:30pm - FSC
- International Friendly: USA vs. Brazil - 8pm - ESPN2

Friday (13th):
- International Friendly: Bayern Munich (GER) vs. Real Madrid (SPA) - 2:55 -ESPN

SI predcicts EPL Standings

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 16:32:00 +0000

Check out this great article where SI writer Georginia Turner predicts the finishing order of the EPL this year and examines the changes for each club - Premiership season predictions

Soccer TV Schedule for the week of 7/30

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:53:00 +0000

Saturday (31st):
- EPL: Goals of the Season - 6pm - FSC

Sunday (1st):
- WPS: Atlanta Beat vs. FC Gold Pride - 5pm - FSC
- MLS: LA Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire - 7pm - FSC

Tuesday (3rd):
- CONCACAF CL: Motagua (HON) vs. Toronto (CAN) - 8pm - FSC
- CONCACAF CL: Metapan (SLV) vs. Seattle Sounders (USA) 10pm - FSC

Wednesday (4th):
- CONCACAF CL: Puerto Rico Islanders (PUR) vs. LA Galaxy (USA) - 8pm - FSC

Thursday (5th):

- MLS: Columbus Crew vs. Philadelphia Union - 8pm - ESPN2

- International Friendly: Dallas (USA) vs. Inter Milan (ITA) - 9pm - FSC

Friday (6th):

- International Friendly: AC Milan (ITA) vs. Panathinaikos (GRE) - 8pm - FSC

Barca admits that pursuit of Fabregas is off

noreply@blogger.com (Nathan Reynolds) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:35:00 +0000

The Barcelona front office has stated that they will 'respect' Arsenal's wishes and end their pursuit of Spanish midfielder Cesc Fabregas. Barca has previously offered 35 million lira, but the London club had insisted they did not want to sell their captain. While Cesc has stated that he is happy to stay with Arsenal, I doubt this story will go away until the summer transfer window closes. However, it will be a lingering rumor for years to come if he doesn't make the switch.

For the full report click here.