Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Lower-Division Clubs Take Four Of Six

The third round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup commenced on Tuesday.

At New Britain, Connecticut:

Geoff Bloes scored the winning goal in overtime (105') as the Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) knocked off the New England Revolution 2-1.

At Wilmington, North Carolina:

Kenny Bundy scored the only goal of the match (37') as the Wilmington Hammerheads (USL-2) defeated the visiting Chicago Fire 1-0.

At Boyds, Maryland:

Christian Gomez (74') and Ange N'Silu (90'+3) provided the scoring as DC United eliminated the tournament's last PDL club, the Ocean City Barons 2-0.

At Charleston, South Carolina:

Randi Patterson doubled (9', 45') and Tsuyoshi Yoshitake added another (90') as the Charleston Battery (USL-1) had their way at home with Chivas USA 3-1.

At Blaine, Minnesota:

With the score deadlocked at 2-2 after regulation time, and with each club tallying once during overtime, Claudio Lopez, Josh Wolff, Abe Thompson, and Herculez Gomez each converted his penalty kick to win the shootout 4-2 for the Kansas City Wizards, on the road over the USL-1 Minnesota Thunder to advance to the quarterfinal round.

At Rochester, New York:

After 120 minutes of play failed to resolve a 1-1 stalemate, the Rochester Rhinos (USL-1), with successful conversions from Darren Kenton, Mauricio Salles, Andrew Gregor, Kenney Bertz, and Ryan Heins, took the penalty-kick shootout 5-3 over the visiting Columbus Crew.

Mogren Get Things Started Win Opening Match Win In Malta

At Ta' Qali, Malta:

With Marko Cetkovic (32') and Petar Grbic (43') providing the goalpower, the Road to Madrid started as FK Mogren blanked Hibernians 2-0 on the road in the opening match of a two-game home-and-away series as the first round of qualification for the 2009-10 UEFA Champions League got under way on Tuesday.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Elite Eight Set Up

Here are results from Monday's draw for the quarterfinal round of the AFC Champions League that took place Monday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:

Umm Salal vs. FC Seoul

Kawasaki Frontale vs. Nagoya Grampus

FC Bunyodkor vs. Pohang Steelers

Pakhtakor Tashkent vs. Al-Ittihad

The two-match series will start at the home field of the clubs listed first with the first three series listed beginning on September 23 and the Pakhtakor Tashkent-Al-Ittihad series starting on September 24. All four return matches will be played on September 30.




Sunday, June 28, 2009

Revs and Santos Laguna Advance To SuperLiga Semis

Group stage play concluded in the North American SuperLiga on Sunday as two games in Group B were played.

At Foxborough, Massachusetts:

Abdoulie Mansally scored the game's only goal (32') as the New England Revolution clinched a semifinal berth by defeating visiting Atlas 1-0, eliminating the Guadalajara, Mexico-based club from the competition.

At Kansas City, Kansas:

Goals from Augustin Enrique Herrera (61'), Vicente Vuoso (74'), and Juan Pablo Rodriguez (90'+) paced Santos Laguna to a 3-1 road win over the Kansas City Wizards to lock up a berth in the semifinal round.

FINAL GROUP B STANDINGS:

1. New England Revolution (GP: 3; GD: +3; PTS: 7)
2. Santos Laguna (GP: 3; GD: 0; PTS: 4)
3. Atlas (GP: 3; GD: -1; PTS: 2)
4. Kansas City Wizards (GP: 3; GD: -2; PTS: 2)

New England and Santo Laguna advanced to the semifinal round.

On July 15, Tigres will take on Santos Laguna in one semifinal and the Chicago Fire will battle the New England Revolution in the other.

The two semifinal winners will play in the final on August 5.

Sounders Cool Off Rapids; Galaxy End Dynamo Unbeaten Streak

Two Sunday games in Major League Soccer.

At Seattle:

Nate Jaqua scored twice (48', 68') and Fredy Montero once (23') as Seattle Sounders FC overpowered the visiting Colorado Rapids 3-0, ending the Rapids' club-record eight-game unbeaten streak.

At Carson, California:

Todd Dunivant's goal at 24 minutes paced the Los Angeles Galaxy ended the Houston Dynamo's 11-match unbeaten streak 1-0 at home.



MLS STANDINGS:

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

1. DC United (GP: 16; GD: +1; PTS: 23)
2. Columbus (GP: 15; GD: +1; PTS: 22)
3. Toronto FC (GP: 16; GD: -4; PTS: 22)
4. Chicago (GP: 14; GD: +2; PTS: 21)
5. Kansas City (GP: 14; GD: +2; PTS: 19)
6. New England (GP: 12; GD: -5; PTS: 16)
7. New York (GP: 18; GD: -14; PTS: 10)

WESTERN CONFERNECE:

1. Houston (GP: 15; GD: +10; PTS: 28)
2. Chivas USA (GP: 15; GD: +7; PTS: 27)
3. Seattle (GP: 16; GD: +9; PTS: 25)
4. Colorado (GP: 14; GD: +3; PTS: 21)
5. Real Salt Lake (GP: 15; GD: +5; PTS: 19)
6. Los Angeles (GP: 15; GD: -1; PTS: 18)
7. FC Dallas (GP: 15; GD: -6; PTS: 14)
8. San Jose (GP: 14; GD: -10; PTS; 12)

Samba Boys Overcome Two-Goal Hole To Cop Conferations Cup Crown

At Johannesburg, South Africa:

With goals from Luis Fabriano (46', 73', he's seen here celebrating) and Lucio (83'), Brazil came back from a 2-0 halftime deficit to overtake the United States 3-2 to win the FIFA
Confederations Cup final Sunday. The Americans were placed on the scoreboard by Clint Dempsey (10') and Landon Donovan (27') and clearly outplayed the Samba Boys in the first half, before the Brazilians awaken in the second 45 minutes.

Getty Images photo.

Spain Wins Overtime Thriller With Hosts

At Rustenburg, South Africa:

Xabi Alonso's overtime goal (107') enabled Spain to defeat South Africa 3-2 in the third-place game in the FIFA Confederations Cup on Sunday.

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Saturday Home Wins For Crew And RSL

Two games were contested in Major League Soccer on Saturday.

At Columbus, Ohio:

Chad Marshall scored the only goal of the match at 45 minutes as the Columbus Crew downed the visiting New York Red Bulls 1-0.

At Sandy, Utah:

Real Salt Lake, with goals from Yura Movsisyan (21'), Kyle Beckerman (44'), and Clint Mathis (78'), rolled over visiting Toronto FC 3-0.

Tigres Top Fire On Road; Both Advance To Semis

Group A play in the North American SuperLiga concluded Saturday.

At Bridgeview, Illinois:

Armando Pulido's double (37', 61') lifted Tigres to a 2-1 road win over the Chicago Fire. Despite the setback, the Fire still clinched a spot in the semifinal round. Tigres won the group based on head-to-head competition with Chicago (3 points to 0)


At Carson, California:

Atiba Harris' equalizer at 89 minutes enabled Chivas USA to salvage one point from group stage play as they gained a 1-1 home stalemate with San Luis. Both clubs have been elimination from contention for knockout stage play.

FINAL GROUP A STANDINGS:

1. UANL Tigres (GP: 3; GD: 0; PTS: 6)
2. Chicago Fire (GP: 3; GD: +1; PTS: 6)
3. San Luis (GP: 3; GD: +1; PTS: 4)
4. Chivas USA (GP: 3; GD: -2; PTS: 1)

UANL Tigres and Chicago advanced to the semifinal round. Tigres won Group A because of head-to-head play against the Fire.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Estudiantes Capture Semifinal Opener With Nacional

At La Plata, Argentina:

Diego Galvan scored the only goal of the match at 24 minutes as Estudiantes took the opening match of their semifinal series 1-0 at home over Uruguay's Club Nacional.

Team USA To Get Another Crack At Brazil

At Johannesburg, South Africa:

Daniel Alves scored the only goal of the match (88', he's seen here celebrating with his jersey partially off) off a free kick as Brazil defeated South Africa 1-0 on Thursday to reach Sunday's final of the FIFA Confederations Cup against the United States. That match will take place at Johannesburg.

Bafana Bafana are not done though. The hosts will play Spain earlier Sunday in the third-place game at Rustenburg.

Getty Images photo

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Two Draw SuperLiga Wednesday In Foxborough

Group B play in the North American SuperLiga continued with two games on Wednesday, both games played at Foxborough, Massachusetts.

In the opener, Kheli Dube scored (45'+1) to enable the New England Revolution to gain a 1-1 home draw with the Kansas City Wizards.

In the nightcap, Atlas and Santos Laguna battled to a 0-0 stalemate.

GROUP B STANDINGS:

1. New England Revolution (GP: 2; GD: +2; PTS: 4)
2. Kansas City Wizards (GP: 2; GD: 0; PTS: 2)
3. Atlas (GP: 2; GD: 0; PTS: 2)
4. Santos Laguna (GP: 2; GD: -2; PTS: 1)

Cruzeiro Claim Semifinal Opener

The semifinal round of the Copa Libertadores commenced on Wednesday.

At Belo Horizonte, Brazil:

Wellington Paulista (37'), Wagner (47'), and Fabinho (67') each scored once as Cruzeiro downed visiting Gremio 3-1 in game one of the two Brazilian clubs' two-match semifinal series.

TFC Blank Red Bulls; Hoops And Rapids Draw

Two games were contested Wednesday in Major League Soccer.

At Toronto:

Pablo Vitti (28') and Dwayne De Rosario (59') each contributed a goal as Toronto FC blanked the visiting New York Red Bulls 2-0.

At Commerce City, Colorado:

A goal from Omar Cummings at 84 minutes enabled the Colorado Rapids to salvage a 1-1 home draw with FC Dallas. The Hoops got a goal from David Ferreira at 37 minutes.

From The Ya Gotta Be Kiddin' Department: TEAM USA UPSETS SPAIN

At Bloemfontein, South Africa:

Goals from Jozy Altidore (25') and Clint Dempsey (73', photographed here) carried the United States to a 2-0 win over Spain in the semifinal round of the FIFA Confederations Cup on Wednesday. The win lifted Team USA into Sunday's final against the winner of Thursday's Brazil-South
Africa match. The loss ends Spain's 15-game winning and 35-game unbeaten streaks.

The Americans have qualified for their first ever final in a FIFA men's competition.

Getty Images photo

FC Seoul Capture Shootout Thriller; Frontale and Grampus Win; Steelers Annihilate Jets (We Ain't Talkin' Pittsburgh vs. New York, Either)

The East Asian portion of the first knockout round of the AFC Champions League took place on Wednesday.

At Nagoya, Japan:

Yoshizuma Ogawa (22') and Keiji Tamada (67') each scored once as Nagoya Grampus held off visiting Suwon Bluewings 2-1.

At Suita, Japan:

Kengo Nakamura (33'), Renatinho (76'), and Masaru Kurotsu (85') each provided a tally as Kawasaki Frontale knocked off and dethroned defending champions Gamba Osaka 3-2 on the road.

At Kashima, Japan:

After Ki Sung-Yong's goal at 78 minutes forced what turned out to be 30 scoreless overtime minutes, Lee Sung-Hyup, Jung Jo-Gook, Ki Sung-Yong, Kim Jin-Kyu, and Park Yong-Ho each converted his penalty kick as FC Seoul, after a game on the road with Kashima Antlers that had been deadlocked at 2-2 after 120 minutes, won the penalty kick shoouout 5-4 (in seven rounds) to advance to the quarterfinals.

At Pohang, South Korea:

Choi Hyo-Jin's hat trick (15', 63', 72') was part of an offensive ambush as Pohang Steelers made life miserable for the Newcastle United Jets as they brassknuckled the visiting Australian club 6-0.

The draw for the quarterfinal round will take place next Monday at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Fire and San Luis Take Toyota Park Doubleheader

Group A play in the North American Superliga resumed Tuesday with both games played at Bridgeview, Illinois:

In the opener, Justin Mapp scored the game's only goal at 35 minutes as the Chicago Fire blanked Chivas USA 1-0.

In the nightcap, Jose Reyes doubled (56', 76') and Braulio Luna tacked one (54') as San Luis held off Tigres 3-1.

GROUP A STANDINGS:

1. Chicago Fire (GP: 2; GD; +2; PTS: 6)
2. San Luis (GP: 2; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
3. Tigres (GP: 2; GD: -1; PTS: 3)
4. Chivas USA (GP: 2; GD: -2; PTS: 0)

Setanta Sports To Go Dark In The UK

Troubled Irish-based Setant Sports went into administration in the United Kingdom on Tuesday.

As for Setanta Sports USA, that network is expected to continue broadcasting, as are Setanta's other international operations, including the one in the Republic of Ireland.

No more Setanta Sports News, though.


UPDATE: Setanta went off the air in Great Britain as of 6:00 PM local time this evening (10:00 AM Pacific Time).

Monday, June 22, 2009

Europa League Draw

Monday also marked the draw, also at Nyon, Switzerland, for the first two qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa League (formerly the UEFA Cup).

The opening matches of the first qualifying round will take place on July 2, with the return matches on July 9.

The home clubs of the opening contests are listed first, with the seeded teams in italics.

FC MTZ-RIPO (Belarus) vs. FK Sutjeska Niksic (Montenegro)

FC Lahti (Finland) vs. KS Dinamo Tirana (Albania)

FK Vetra (Lithuania) vs. CS Grevenmacher (Luxembourg)

Rosenborg BK (Norway) vs. NSI Runavik (Faroe Islands)

Szombathelyi Haladas (Hungary) vs. FC Irtysh Pavlodar (Kazakhstan)

Sligo Rovers FC (Ireland) vs. KS Vllaznia Shkoder (Albania)

Olimpi Rustavi (Georgia) vs. B36 Torshavn (Faroe Islands)

Anorthosis Famagusta FC (Cyprus) vs. UN Kaejeng 97 (Luxembourg)

NK Slaven Belupo (Croatia) vs. Birkirkara FC (Malta)

FC Zimbru Chisinau (Moldova) vs. FC Okzhetpes (Kazakhstan)

Lisburn Distillery FC (Northern Ireland) vs. FC Zestaponi (Georgia)

Helsingborgs IF (Sweden) vs. FC MIKA (Armenia)

Valletta FC (Malta) vs. Keflavik (Iceland)

Dinaburg FC (Latvia) vs. JK Nomme Kaliu (Estonia)

FK Buducnost Podgorica (Montenegro) vs. Polonia Warsaw (Poland)

NK Rudar Velenje (Slovenia) vs. FC Narva Trans (Estonia)

Motherwell FC (Scotland) vs. Llanelli AFC (Wales)

NK Siroki Brijeg (Bosnia-Herzegovina) vs. FC Banants (Armenia)

FC Spartak Trnava (Slovenia) vs. FC Inter Baku (Azerbaijan)

FC Dinamo Minsk (Belarus) vs. FK Renova (Macedonia)

Randers FC (Denmark) vs. Linfield FC (Northern Ireland)

FK Simurq Zaqatala (Azerbaijan) vs. Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv FC (Israel)

The New Saints FC (Wales) vs. Fram (Iceland)

The winners of these first-round two-game set would advance to the second qualifying round. The opening matches will that round will be played on July 16 with the return contests on July 23.

Rosenborg-NSI Runavik Winner vs. FK Karabakh (Azerbaijan)

FC Pacos de Ferreira (Portugal) vs. Zimbru Chisinau-Okzhetpes Winner

Budocnost-Polonia Warsaw Winner vs. AC Juvenes Dogana (San Marino)

SK Sturm Graz (Austria) vs. Siroki Brijeg-Banants Winner

FC Basel 1893 (Switzerland) vs. FC Santa Coloma (Andorra)

FC Honka (Finland) vs. Bangor City FC (Wales)

MSK Zilina (Slovenia) vs. FC Dacia Chisinau (Moldova)

Anorthosis-Kaerjeng Winner vs. OFK Petrovac (Montenegro)

St. Patrick's Athletic FC (Ireland) vs. Valletta-Keflavik Winner

AC Omonia (Cyprus) vs. HB (Faroe Islands)

ND Gorica (Slovenia) vs. Lahti-Dinamo Tirana Winner

SK Sigma Olomouc (Czech Republic) vs. TNS-Fram Winner

Legia Warsaw (Poland) vs. Olimpi Rustavi-B36 Torshavn Winner

Falkirk FC (Scotland) vs. FC Vaduz (Liechtenstein)

IF Elfsborg (Sweden) vs. Szombathelyi Haladas-Irtysh Winner

SK Rapid Vienna (Austria) vs. Sligo Rovers-Vllaznia Winner

FC Naftan Novopolotsk (Belarus) vs. KAA Gent (Belgium)

FK Liepajas Metalurgs (Latvia) vs. FC Dinamo Tbilisi (Georgia)

FC Differdange 03 (Luxembourg) vs. HNK Rijeka (Croatia)

FK Suduva Marijampole (Lithuania) vs. Randers-Linfield Winner

Vetra-Grevenmacher Winner vs. HJK Helsinki

FK Milano Kumanovo (Macedonia) vs. Slaven Belupo-Birkirkara Winner

Dinamo Minsk-Renova Winner vs. Tromso IL (Norway)

KR (Iceland) vs. Larissa FC (Greece)

Brondby IF (Denmark) vs. FC Flora Tallinn (Estonia)

Aalborg BK (Denmark) vs. Slavija Istocno Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina)

FC Steaua Bucharest (Romania) vs. Ujpest FC (Hungary)

FC Metaluhr Donetsk (Ukraine) vs. MTZ-RIPO-Sutjeska Niksic Winner

FK Rabotnicki (Macedonia) vs. Crusaders FC (Northern Ireland)

Simurq Zaqatala-Bnei Yehuda Winner vs. Dinaburg-Nomme Kalju Winner

NAC Breda (Netherlands) vs. FC Gandzasar Kapan (Armenia)

PFC Cherno More (Bulgaria) vs. FC Iskra-Stal Ribnita (Moldova)

FBK Kaunas (Lithuania) vs. FK Sevojno (Serbia)

KS Flamurtari Vlore (Albania) vs. Motherwell-Llanelli Winner

Lisburn Distillery-Zestaponi Winner vs. Helsingborg-MIKA Winner

Skonto FC (Latvia) vs. Derry City FC (Ireland*)

Sliema Wanderers FC (Malta) vs. Maccabi Netanya FC (Israel)

FC Tobol (Kazakhstan) vs. Galatasaray (Turkey)

Rudar Velenje-Narva Trans Winner vs. Red Star Belgrade (Serbia)

FK Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina) vs. Spartak Trnava-Inter Baku Winner

*Derry City FC is based in Londonderry (Derry), Northern Ireland but plays in the Republic of Ireland's premier league.

Road To Madrid Starts

The draw for the first two qualifying rounds for the 2009-10 UEFA Champions League took place Monday in Nyon, Switzerland.

Here are the first round matchups with the club hosting the first leg of the two-match series listed first. The first games will take place on June 30/July 1 with the return matches on July 7 and 8.

UE Sant (Andorra) vs. Tre Fiori (San Morino)

Hibernians (Malta) vs. Mogren (Montenegro)

The first matches of the second qualifying round will take place on July 14 and 15 with the return legs on July 21 and 22.

KF Tirana (Albania) vs. Stabaek (Norway)

WIT Georgia (Georgia) vs. NK Maribor (Slovenia)

EB/Streymur (Faroe Islands) vs. APOEL (Cyprus)

FC Copenhagen (Denmark) vs. Hibernians-Mogren Winner

Debrecen VSC (Hungary) vs. Kalmar FF (Sweden)

Makedonija Gjorce Petrov (Macedonia) vs. BATE Borisov (Belarus)

FH Hafnarfjordur (Iceland) vs. FC Aktobe (Kazakhstan)

FC Pyunik Yerevan (Armenia) vs. Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)

FK Ventspils (Latvia) vs. F91 Dudelange (Luxembourg)

FK Ekranas (Lithuania) vs. FK Baku (Azerbaijan)

Red Bull Salzburg (Austria) vs. Bohemian FC (Ireland)

HSK Zrinjski Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina) vs. SK Slovan Bratislava (Slovakia)

FC Inter Turku (Finland) vs. FC Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova)

Rhyl FC (Wales) vs. Partizan Belgrade (Serbia)

Wisla Krakow (Poland) vs. FC Levadin Tallinn (Estonia)

PFC Levski Sofia (Bulgaria) vs. UE Sant-Tre Fiori Winner

Maccabi Haifa FC (Israel) vs. Glentoran FC (Northern Ireland)


Seeded teams are in italics.

Big News From ESPN

ESPN won UK cablecasting rights to the English Premier League that had been forfeited by Satanta Sports.

Here in the States, the "Worldwide Leader in Sports" has purchased a piece of GOL TV's rights to telecast Spain's La Liga.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Revs Take Oopener; Atlas And Wizards Draw

Sunday marked the beginning of Group B play in the North American SuperLiga.

At St. Louis:

Atlas and the Kansas City Wizards battled to a 0-0 stalemate.

At Foxborough, Massachusetts:

Goals from Jeff Larentowicz (38'), Kenny Mansally (60'), Jay Heaps (63'), and Kheli Dube (82') enabled the New England Revolution to double up Santo Laguna 4-2.

GROUP B STANDINGS:

1. New England Revolution (GP: 1; GD: +_2; PTS: 3)
2. Atlas (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)
2. Kansas City Wizards (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)
4. Santos Laguna (GP: 1; GD: -2; PTS: 0)

Are You Kiddin'?! Team USA Advances To Semis; Azzurri And Egypt Out

An unbelievable ending to Group B play in the FIFA Confederations Cup on Sunday in South Africa.

At Pretoria:

Goals by Luis Fabiano (36', 42') and
an own goal from Andrea Dossena (44', pictured here/Getty Images photo) lifted Brazil to a convincing 3-0 pasting of Italy. The Brazilians finished atop Group B while the Italians were eliminated.

At Rustenburg:

Goals from Charles Davies (21'), Michael Bradley (63') and Clint Dempsey (71',
pictured here/Associated Press photo) lifted the United States to a 3-0 whitewashing of Egypt. This win, coupled with Italy's 3-0 loss to Brazil lifted Team USA into the semifinal round, thanks to a higher number of total goals scored (4-3) than the Italians.

FINAL GROUP B STANDINGS:

1. Brazil (GP: 3; GD: +7; PTS: 9)
2. United States (GP: 3; GD: -2; PTS: 3)
3. Italy (GP: 3; GD: -3; PTS: 3)
4. Egypt (GP: 3; GD: -3; PTS: 3)

Semifinal Round Schedule:

On Wednesday, the United States will take on Spain in Bloemfontein, and on Thursday, Brazil will battle South Africa in Johannesburg.


Saturday, June 20, 2009

Fire, Tigres Take SuperLiga Openers

The third edition of the North American SuperLiga commenced on Saturday.

Group A play:

At Bridgeview, Illinois:

Brian McBride scored the only goal of the match (57') as the Chicago Fire blanked San Luis 1-0 at home.

At Carson, California:

Goals from Armando Pulido (11') and Jesus Duenas (82') lifted Tigres to a 2-1 road win over Chivas USA.

GROUP A STANDINGS:

1. Tigres (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
2. Chicago Fires (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
3. Chivas USA (GP: 1; GD: -1; PTS: 0)
4. San Luis (GP: 1; GD: -1: PTS: 0)

Quakes Double Up Galaxy; Another Sounders Draw; Hoops Come Back To Stun Crew; Houston Unbeaten Streak Now At 11; Rapids Smother DCU

Five games were contested Saturday in Major League Soccer.


At Oakland, California:

Goals from Pablo Campos (PK-6') and Ryan Johnson (54') enabled the San Jose Earthquakes to hold off the visiting Los Angeles Galaxy for a 2-1 win.

At East Rutherford, New Jersey:

Fredy Montero's goal at 45 minutes lifted Seattle Sounders FC to a 1-1 road draw with the New York Red Bulls, whose goal came from Juan Pablo Angel at 40 minutes.

At Frisco, Texas:

Kenny Cooper's successful penalty kick (87') enabled FC Dallas to come from behind and knock off the visiting Columbus Crew 2-1. Eric Avila scored the Hoops' other tally at 80 minutes.

At Houston:

Brian Ching's goal at 90 minutes lifted the Houston Dynamo to a 1-1 home stalemate with Real Salt Lake, stretching the hosts' unbeaten streak to 11 games.

At Commerce City, Colorado:

Omar Cummings doubled (11', 45') and Colin Clark added another tally (49') as the Colorado Rapids overpowered visiting DC United 3-0.

MLS STANDINGS:

EASTERN CONFERENCE:

1. DC United (GP: 16 GD: +1; PTS: 23)
2. Chicago (GP: 14; GD: +2; PTS: 21)
3. Kansas City (GP: 14; GD: +2; PTS: 19)
4. Columbus (GP: 14; GD: 0; PTS: 19)
5. Toronto FC (GP: 14; GD: -3; PTS: 19)
6. New England (GP: 12; GD: -5; PTS: 16)
7. New York (GP: 16; GD: -11; PTS: 10)

WESTERN CONFERENCE:

1. Houston (GP: 14; GD: +11; PTS: 28)
2. Chivas USA (GP: 15; GD: +7; PTS: 27)
3. Seattle (GP: 15; GD: +6; PTS: 22)
4. Colorado (GP: 12; GD: +6; PTS: 20)
5. Real Salt Lake (GP: 14; GD: +2; PTS: 16)
6. Los Angeles (GP: 14; GD: -2; PTS: 15)
7. FC Dallas (GP: 14; GD: -6; PTS: 13)
8. San Jose (GP: 14; GD: -10; PTS: 12)

South Africa Advances Despite Defeat (Record 15th Straight Win For Spain) ; Iraq Eliminated

Saturday marked the conclusion of Group A play in the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa:

At Bloemfontein:

Goals from David Villa (52', pictured here) and Fernando Llorente (71') guided Spain to a 2-0 win over South Africa to finish on top of Group A without surrendering a goal in three contests. The Spaniards won their world-record 15th straight contest and stretched their unbeaten streak to 35.

At Johann
esburg:

Despite having already eliminated in the tournament, New Zealand held Iraq to a 0-0 draw. That's Iraq's Mohammed Ali Kareem beating the Kiwis' Leo Bertos.

Even with their defeat at Bloemfontein, the host nation still advanced to the semifinals of the Confederation Cup. They will play the winner of Group B (Brazil, Italy, or Egypt).

FINAL GROUP A STANDINGS:

1. Spain (GP: 3; GD: +8; PTS: 9)
2. South Africa (GP: 3; GD: 0; PTS: 4)
3. Iraq (GP: 3; GD: -1; PTS: 2)
4. New Zealand (GP: 3; GD: -7; PTS: 1)

Both photos from Getty Images.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Sepp's Suggestion For MLS

Regardless of what the president of FIFA thinks, as long as there are still a few Major League Soccer clubs playing their home games in NFL or college football stadiums, it may be some time before such an idea can be enacted.

It also could mean not only outright competition with pro and college football, but the NBA, college basketball, and the NHL as well.

No Premiership Telecasts In UK On Setanta Sports

Having failed to meet a 5PM local time (9 AM Pacific Time) deadline to pay the first installment on a roughly $49 Million fee to the English Premier League for their part of the television rights to air EPL games this coming season, Setanta Sports have lost their right to carry Premiership contests in the United Kingdom.

Also, the deal that would have resulted in Russian-born American industrialist Len Blavatnik buying a 51% share in Setanta Sports fell through.

Becasue of a separate deal to carry EPL games here in the States, it looks like Premiership contests will still air this coming season on Setanta Sports here in this country.

DeRo's Hat Trick Helps TFC Crush Impact On Road To Win Canadian Title and Gain CONCACAF Champions League Berth

The Nutrilite Canadian Championship concluded on Thursday.

At Montreal:

Dwayne De Rosario's natural hat trick (29', 39', 49') helped Toronto FC deliver a 5-1 fistbeating on the road to the Montreal Impact to win the Canadian Championship title (better goal differential vis-a-viv Vancouver, +5 to +4) and gain a place in the preliminary round of the 2009-10 CONCACAF Champions League. They will take on the Puerto Rico Islanders (USL-1) in a two-match home-and-away set in July for the right to advance to the group stage.

FINAL STANDINGS:

1. Toronto FC (GP: 4; GD: +5; PTS: 9)
2. Vancouver Whitecaps (GP: 4; GD: +4; PTS: 9)
3. Montreal Impact (GP: 4; GD: -9; PTS: 0)

Toronto FC won the Nutrilite Canadian Championship and clinched a berth in the preliminary round of the 2009-10 CONCACAF Champions League.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Estudiantes And Cruzeio Sweep Into Semifinals

The quarterfinal round of the Copa Libertadores concluded Thursday.

At La Plata, Argentina:

Leandro Benitez scored the only goal of the match at 13 minutes as Estudiantes defeated visiting Defensor Sporting 1-0 in game two of their two-match set to win the series with a maximum six points after winning both contests.

At Sao Paulo, Brazil:

Henrique (66') and Kleber (PK-81') provided the scoring that lifted Cruzeiro to a 2-0 road win over Sao Paulo in game two of their series and won their two-set series by obtaining the maximum six points after winning both ends of this all-Brazilian series.

There will be one Brazilian club in the final as Gremio and Cruzeiro will face off in one two-match semifinal set, while Estudiantes will battle Club Nacional of Uruguay in the other semifinal series.

Pharoas Shock Italy; Samba Boys Blank Team USA

Two games from Group B in FIFA Confederations Cup action on Thursday in South Africa.

At Pretoria:

Goals from Felipe Melo (6'), Robinho (19') and Maicon (61', he's photographed here mobbed by teammates) helped Brazil smother the United States 3-0.

At Johannesburg:

Mohamed Homos (39', pictured here) scored the only goal of the match as Egypt knocked off Italy 1-0.

GROUP B STANDINGS:

1. Brazil (GP: 2; GD: +4; PTS: 6)
2. Italy (GP: 2; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
3. Egypt (GP: 2; GD: 0; PTS: 3)
4. United States (GP: 2; GD: -5; PTS: 0)

Both photos from Getty Images.


Sound Like Gangs Of Noisy Cicadas To Me

Yes, there have been complaints about the use of those plastic trumpets used by fans at the Confederations Cup.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

DCU Come Back From Two-Goal Deficit To Gain Draw In Seattle

At Seattle:

DC United, in Wednesday's lone Major League Soccer contest, came back from a 3-1 second-half deficit to gain a 3-3 road draw with Seattle Sounders FC. Christian Gomez (63') cut the deficit in half with his goal, then, Seattle's Tyrone Marshall's own goal at 87 minutes enabled the visitors to gain a point on the road.

Nacional and Gremio Advance To Semis Due To Away Goal Rule

Two teams advanced to the semifinal round of the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday by winning their two-match series because of away goals.

At Montevideo, Uruguay:

Despite being held to a 0-0 home stalemate by Palmeiras, Nacional of Uruguay won their two match set on away goals, thanks to their 2-2 road draw in Brazil in game one. Each team ended up with two point overall for the series and deadlocked on goal difference and goals scored. Nacional advanced due to the two goals scored on the road in the opening contest last month.

At Porto Alegre, Brazil:

Despite being held to a 0-0 home deadlock by Caracas FC, Gremio still advanced to the semifinals for the same reason as Nacional. Last month, the two clubs battled to a 1-1 draw in the Venezuelan capital.

North Korea Clinches First World Cup Berth Since '66

At Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:

In Group Two play from the Asian zone, North Korea held hosts Saudi Arabia to a 0-0 deadlock to lock up a berth in next year's FIFA World Cup finals. It will be the first time since 1966 that the North Koreans qualified for the World Cup finals, and the first time ever that both Koreas will take part in the tournament in the same year.

Besides the two Koreas, Japan and Australia automatically qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup out of Asia, while the two third-placed teams, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, will take part in a two-match playoff (beginning September 5 in Bahrain) for the right to play New Zealand (winners from Oceania) for a berth in next year's finals.

David Villa Goal Puts Spain In Semifinals; Hosts Eliminate Kiwis

Group A action in the FIFA Confederations Cup continued on Wednesday in South Africa.

At Bloemfontein:

David Villa's goal at 55 minutes (photographed here) proved to be all
the scoring as Spain locked up a berth in the semifinal round with a 1-0 win over Iraq.

At Rustenburg:

Bernard Parker scored both goals (20', 51') as South Africa eliminated New Zealand from the tournament, blanking the All Whites 2-0. Photographed here is Teko Modise splitting through the Kiwis' defense.

GROUP A STANDINGS:

1. Spain* (GP: 2; GD: +6; PTS: 6)
2. South Africa (GP: 2; GD: +2; PTS: 4)
3. Iraq (GP: 2; GD: -1; PTS: 1)
4. New Zealand# (GP: 2; GD: -7; PTS: 0)

*Advanced to the semifinal round
#Eliminated.


Both photos are from Getty Images.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Portland-Seattle Rivalry Still On; Shootout Wins For Rhinos and Hammerheads ; Barons Win In OT; Aztex Take Texas Battle

The second round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup took place with eight games on Tuesday.

At Ocean City, New Jersey:

J. T. Noone's overtime penalty kick (108') was the only goal of the match as the Ocean City Barons (PDL) defeated Real Maryland Monarchs (USL-2) 1-0 to advance to the third round. Next for the Barons will be an encounter with defending champs DC United at the Maryland Soccerplex at Montgomery County, Maryland on June 30.

At Harrisburg, Pennsylvania:

After 120 scoreless minutes, it took a penalty kick shootout to decide this second round match. Successful conversions by Chad Severs, Tim Velten, Kai Kasiguran, and Brandon Swartendruber enabled the Harrisburg City Islanders to win the shootout 4-3 over the visiting--and fellow USL-2 club--Western Mass Pioneers. The Islanders will get a crack come June 30 at the New England Revolution on the MLS club's pitch at Foxboro, Massachusetts.

At Rochester, New York:

In a battle of USL-1 clubs, Ryan Heins forced overtime with his 82nd-minute equalizer, the Rochester Rhinos won 2-1 over the visiting Cleveland City Stars on the overtime game winner at 111 minutes from Kenney Bertz. The Rhinos will host the defending and resurging MLS champions Columbus Crew on June 30.

At Cary, North Carolina:

In a battle of North Carolina clubs, after a 1-1 draw through regulation time, the visiting Wilmington Hammerheads (USL-2) and Carolina Railhawks (USL-1) each scored twice in overtime with the score deadlocked at 3-3 after 120 minutes. In the penalty-kick shootout, Christopher Murray, Kenny Bundy, Mark Briggs, and Jamie Watson each coverted as the Hammerheads took the shootout 4-3. The Hammerheads will next host the Chicago Fire on June 30.

At Miami:

The Charleston Battery, thanks to Tyler Hemming's successul penalty kick at 65 minutes, defeated fellow USL-1 club Miami FC 1-0 on the road. The Battery will host Chivas USA on June 30.

At Blaine, Minnesota:

Melvin Tarley scored twice (78', 81') as the Minnesota Thunder (USL-1) bulldozed the visiting Chicago Fire Premier (PDL) 4-0. The Kansas City Wizards will visit the Thunder on June 30.

At Austin, Texas:

Ryan McMahen (45'+) and Ciaran O'Brien (48') provided the goals as the Austin Aztex (USL-1) blanked the visiting El Paso Patriots (PDL) 2-0. The Aztex will host Major League Soccer powers the Houston Dynamo on July 1.

At Santa Rosa, California:

George Josten scored once (7') and Keita Mandjou doubled (87', 90'+1) as the Portland Timbers (USL-1) overpowered the Sonoma County Sol (USASA) 3-0 on the road. The Timbers will host Seattle Sounders FC at PGE Park on July 1.




Egyptian Cup Complaint Rejected

From Bloemfontein, South Africa:

FIFA rejected Egypt's complaint over the penalty kick awarded by Brazil in Monday's Confederations Cup defeat.

New Boss For Bhoys

Not bad for a guy whose club he managed this past season wound up relegated from the English Premiership.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Brazil Survive Egyptian Scare; Italians Overtake Team USA

Group B play in the FIFA Confederations Cup commenced in South Africa on Monday:

At Bloemfontein:

Goals from Kaka at 5 minutes and the game winner at 88 minutes on a successful penalty kick (photographed by Laurence Griffiths for Getty Images) enabled Brazil to capture a 4-3 goalfest against Egypt.

The Egyptians were not happy about the developments regarding the awarding of the penalty kick to Brazil and have lodged a protest.

At Pretoria:

After trail 1-0 at halftime (thanks to Landon Donovan's successful penalty kick at 41 minutes), Italy scored three times in the second half to overtake the ten-man United States 3-1. Giuseppe Rossi---yes, New Jersey-born Guiseppe Rossi, scored twice (58', 90'+4) for the Azzurri, while Daniele De Rossi scored the winning goal at 71 minutes. The two Italian goalscorers are shown celebrating in this photo by Kim Ludbrook for the European Pressphoto Agency.

GROUP B STANDINGS:

1. Italy (GP: 1; GD: +2; PTS: 3)
2. Brazil (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
3. Egypt (GP: 1; GD: -1; PTS: 0)
4. United States (GP: 1; GD: -2; PTS: 0)

The United States and Egypt may have the toughest road to hoe in this tournament. By the time the two teams meet this coming Sunday, one or both could already have been eliminated, while Iraq, South Africa, and--even after being belted 5-0 on Sunday by Spain---New Zealand all have a legitimate shot at advancing to the semifinal round from Group A.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Crew Continue Hot Streak At Expense of Goats

At Columbus, Ohio:

In Sunday's only Major League Soccer contest, Guillermo Barros Schelotto's double (61', 87') lifted the Columbus Crew to a 2-1 comeback win over visiting Chivas USA.

MLS STANDINGS:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. DC United (GP: 14; GD: +4; PTS: 22)
2. Chicago (GP: 14; GD: +2; PTS: 21)
3. Kansas City (GP: 14; GD: +2; PTS: 19)
4. Columbus (GP: 13; GD: +1; PTS: 19)
5. Toronto FC (GP: 14; GD: -3; PTS: 19)
6. New England (GP: 12; GD: -5; PTS: 16)
7. New York (GP: 15; GD: -11; PTS: 9)


WESTERN CONFERENCE:

1. Houston (GP: 13; GD: +11; PTS: 27)
2. Chivas USA (GP: 15; GD: +7; PTS: 27)
3. Seattle (GP: 13; GD: +6; PTD: 20)
4. Colorado (GP: 11; GD: +3; PTS: 17)
5. Real Salt Lake (GP: 13; GD: +2; PTS: 15)
6. Los Angeles (GP: 13; GD: -1; PTS: 15)
7. FC Dallas (GP: 13; GD: -7; PTS: 10)
8. San Jose (GP: 13; GD: -11; PTS: 9)

Confederations Cup Off To Scoreless Start In Johannesburg

The 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup started on Sunday. It is being played in South Africa, host nation of next year's World Cup.

Group A:


At Johannesburg:

The opening match between South Africa and Asian champs Iraq ended in a 0-0 deadlock. We see white-cladded Iraqi players holding their ground against the hosts.

At Rustenbu
rg:

Euro 2008 winners Spain, thanks to Fernando Torres' natural hat trick (6', 14', 17', h
e's pictured here mobbed by teammates) annihilated 2007-08 OFC Nations Cup titlists New Zealand 5-0.







GROUP A STANDINGS:

1. Spain (GP: 1; GD: +5; PTS:3)
2. Iraq (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)
2. South Africa (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)
4. New Zealand (GP: 1; GD: -5; PTS: 0)

The top two finishers in each group, after each team played once against each of the three other teams in each group, advance to the semifinals.

The United States (CONCACAF Gold Cup winners of 2007) is placed in the considerably tougher Group B alongside Italy, Brazil, and Egypt. The Americans will get their crack at Italy on Monday in Pretoria.

Both Photos © Getty Images

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Saturday Six-Pack In MLS

Six games were contested in Major League Soccer on Saturday.

At Washington:

Jaime Moreno (PK-24') and Christian Gomez (41') each scored a first-half goal and goalkeeper Josh Wicks stopped Brian McBride's penalty kick at 49 minutes as DC United held off the visiting Chicago Fire 2-1.

At Toronto:

Sam Cronin (3') and Danny Dichio (43') provided the goalpower as Toronto FC defeated the visiting New York Red Bulls 2-1.

At Frisco, Texas:

New arrival Cameron Weaver doubled (13', 63') as the Houston Dynamo downed FC Dallas 3-1 on the road.

At Kansas City, Kansas:

The Kansas City Wizards, with goals courtesy of Davy Arnaud (19') and Aaron Hohlbein (39'), downed the visiting New England Revolution 3-1.

At Carson, California:

Yura Movsisyan (13') and Nat Borchers (51') each tallied once as Real Salt Lake blanked the Los Angeles Galaxy on the road 2-0.

At Seattle:

Freddie Ljungberg (42') and Fredy Montero (59') provided the goals that enabled Seattle Sounders FC to end their six-game winless streak with a 2-1 home win over the struggling San Jose Earthquakes.


Thursday, June 11, 2009

US Open Cup Under Way

The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup began its proper competition this week with 14 games played on Tuesday and two more on Wednesday. These are one-game sets with the winners all advancing to the second round.

Tuesday games:

At Irvine, California:

Sonoma County Sol (US Adult Soccer Association) defeated fellow California club Orange County Blue Star (Premier Development League) 5-3.

At Bremerton, Washington:

Brian Farber scored twice (33', 46') as the Portland Timbers (USL-1) defeated Kitsap Pumas (PDL) 3-0 on the road.

The Timbers will play Sonoma County Sol in the second round match next Tuesday at Santa Rosa, California.

At Austin, Texas:

Goals from Jeff Harwell (18') and Eddie Johnson (64') powered the Austin Aztex (USL-1) to a 2-0 home win over the Mississippi Brilla (PDL).

At El Paso, Texas:

Rodrigo Morin (27') and Gerardo Moreira (59') each tallied once as the El Paso Patriots (PDL) held off the visiting Arizona Sahuaros (USASA) 2-1.

In the second round next Tuesday, the Aztex will host El Paso in Austin in an all-Texas showdown.

At Bridgeview, Illinois:

Freddie Braun (26'), Andre Akpan (28'), and Pascal Millien (53') each scored once as Chicago Fire Premier (PDL), despite finishing the game with ten men, defeated the visiting Milwaukee Bavarians SC (USASA) 3-1.

At Blaine, Minnesota:

Brian Cvilikas' double (30', 46') helped powered the Minnesota Thunder (USL-1) to a 3-2 home win over Nebraska's 402 FC (USASA).

Next Tuesday, Chicago Fire Premier will travel to Blaine, Minnesota for a second-round encounter with the Thunder.

At Rochester, New York:

After Taiwo Atieno's equalizer in second-half stopage time tied the score at 1-1 to force what proved to be thirty scoreless overtime minutes, the Rochester Rhinos (USL-1) , with successful conversions from Andrew Gregor, Keney Bertz, Mauricio Salles, and Tiger Fitzpartick, won the penalty kick shootout with the visiting Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL-2) 4-2.

At Bedford, Ohio:

Ryan Stewart (27'), Ricardo Pierre Louis (34'), and Steve Gillespie (68') each tallied once as the Cleveland City Stars (USL-1) manhandled the visiting St. Louis Lions (PDL) 3-0.

Next Tuesday, in a matchup of USL-1 clubs, Cleveland will travel to Rochester to take on the Rhinos.

At Miami:

In an all-Florida contest, goals from Paulo Araujo, Jr. (64') and Diego Serna (65') concluded a lightning fast comback as Miami FC (USL-1) came from behind at home to defeat Jacksonville-based Lynch's Irish Pub FC (USASA) 2-1.

At Charleston, South Carolina:

The Charleston Battery (USL-1), thanks to goals contributed by Randi Patterson (1') and Tsuyoshi Yoshitake (32') defeated Atlanta FC (USASA) 2-0. The visitors ended the match with only eight men as three were ejected via red cards.

Next Tuesday, in another matchup of USL-1 clubs, the Battery will travel to Miami for second round action.

At Wilmington, North Carolina:

In a battle of USL-2 clubs from North Carolina , the Wilmington Hammerheads blanked the visiting Charlotte Eagles 2-0. Jamie Watson (82') and Phil Hufstader (90') provided the goals for the Hammerheads.

At Cary, North Carolina:

Daniel Paldini (14') and Hamed Diallo (48') each tallied once as the Carolina Railhawks (USL-1) overtook the visiting Richmond Kickers (USL-2) 2-1.

Next Tuesday at Cary, an all-North Carolina second round contest will take place as the Railhawks will host the Hammerheads.

At Harrisburg, Pennsylvania:

Four goal scorers each tallied once as the Harrisburg City Islanders (USL-2) defeated the visiting Reading Rage (PDL) in an all-Pennsylvania contest 4-1.

At Ludlow, Massachusetts:

In a match between two Bay State clubs, the Western Mass Pioneers (USL-2), thanks to Al Barbosa's overtime goal at 98 minutes, defeated the visiting Emigrantes das Ilhas (USASA) 3-2.

Next Tuesday in the second round, the Western Mass Pioneers will visit Harrisburg City in the Keystone State's capital city as the two USL-2 clubs battle for a berth in the third round.

Wednesday games:

At Rockville, Maryland:

Ryan Cordeiro scored at 14 minutes as Real Maryland Monarchs (USL-2) blanked visiting Agean Hawks FC from Virginia (USASA) 1-0 in a match that was stopped at 74 minutes due to lightning.

At Ocean City, New Jersey:

Byron Carmichael scored twice (7', 33') as the Ocean City Barons (PDL) hammered visiting Crystal Palace Baltimore (USL-2) 3-0.

Next Tuesday, the Barons will face-off against Real Maryland at home in second round play.




Can You Top This?

Apparently, paying a huge ammount of money to get Kaka away from AC Milan wasn't enough.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

How Will Rugby And Aussie Rules Fans Get Their Fix?

I'll believe when I see it.

Dynamo Stay Hot By Topping Goats

At Houston:

Stuart Holden's goal at 45 minutes provided all the scoring as the Houston Dynamo continued their strong form of late as they blanked visiting Chivas USA 1-0 in Wednesday's lone Major League Soccer match. The win stretched Houston's winning streak to four.

Honduras And Mexico Win Home Games

The CONCACAF zone qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup resumed Wednesday with two games.

At Mexico City:

Goals from Guillermo Franco (1') and Oscar Rojas (48') enabled Mexico to defeat visiting Trinidad and Tobago 2-1.

At San Pedro Sula, Honduras:

Carlos Pavon scored the only goal of the match at 14 minutes as Honduras jumped up to third place in the CONCACAF final qualifying group with a 1-0 home win over El Salvador.

STANDINGS:

1. Costa Rica (GP: 5; GD: +4; PTS: 12)
2. United States (GP: 5; GD: +4; PTS: 10)
3. Honduras (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
4. Mexico (GP: 5; GD: -2; PTS: 6)
5. El Salvador (GP: 5; GD: -1; PTS: 5)
6. Trinidad and Tobago (GP: 5; GD: -5; PTS: 2)

Monday, June 08, 2009

Change At The Top At Upton Park

And I mean the tippy top, too.

And they may not hang on to the Hammers for too terribly long.

Now THAT'S Rich!

After much speculation, Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, also known as Kaka, signed a six-year deal with Real Madrid worth in the neighborhood of $94 million, making this the richest transfer deal in the history of world soccer, as the Brazilian leaves AC Milan.