Thursday, March 31, 2011

Copa Libertadores: Penarol Move Atop Group Eight

One game in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores took place on Thursday:


Group Eight:


At Montevideo, Uruguay:


Juan Manuel Olivera (42') and Nicolas Freitas (71') provided the scoring as Penarol knocked off visiting Godoy Cruz de Mendoza 2-1 to take over first place in Group Eight.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Copa Libertadores: Internacional, Cruzeiro Win; Road Draw Locks Up Round of 16 Berth For Estudiantes

Three games were played on Wednesday as group stage action in the Copa Libertadores continued.


Group Six:


At Porto Alegre, Brazil:


Oscar (18'), Andres D'Alessandro (58'), and Ze Roberto (72') each scored a goal as Internacional blanked visiting Club Jorge Wilstermann 3-0, eliminating the Bolivian club from contention.


GROUP SIX STANDINGS:


1. Internacional (GP: 4; GD: +10; PTS: 10)
2. Club Emelec (GP: 4; GD: +1; PTS: 7)
3. Jaguares (GP: 4; GD: -2; PTS: 6)
4. Club Jorge Wilstermann# (GP: 4; GD: -9; PTS: 0)


#Eliminated from contention


Group Seven:


At Ibague, Colombia:


Deportes Tolima were held to a 1-1 home draw by Estudiantes and were eliminated from contention for a berth in the knockout stage.  Felix Noguera salvage the draw for the hosts with a successful penalty kick at 31 minutes.  Federico Fernandez scored at 23 minutes for the visiting Argentinian club, who will be playing in the Round of 16.


At Asuncion, Paraguay:


Thiago Ribiero (17') and Jose Ortigoza (90'+2) provided the scoring that carried group-leading Cruzeiro to a 2-0 road win over Club Guarani.


GROUP SEVEN STANDINGS:


1. Cruzeio* (GP: 5; GD: +16; PTS: 13)
2. Estudiantes* (GP: 5; GD: +1; PTS: 10)
3. Deportivo Tolima# (GP: 5; GD: -5; PTS: 5)
4. Club Guarani# (GP: 5; GD: -12; PTS: 0)


*Advanced to the knockout stage
#Eliminated from contention

Stanley Turn Bulls Into Hamburger

At Accrington, England:


Terry Gornell scored twice (16', 56') as Accrington Stanley demolished visiting Hereford United 4-0 in English League Two action.

US Open Cup: Timbers Knock Off Goats

At Portland, Oregon:

Jack Jewsbury (84') and Eric Brunner (86') provided the late scoring that carried the Portland Timbers to a 2-0 home win over Chivas USA in a play-in game for a berth in the qualifying rounds of this year's US Open Cup tournament.  The Timbers will take on the San Jose Earthquakes on the road on a date to be determined.

It was Portland's first victory in any competitive match since joining Major League Soccer.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Saints Top Llanelli On The Road

At Llanelli, Wales:

Thanks to goals from Kris Thomas (OG-17') and Craig Jones (29'), The New Saints defeated hosts Llanelli AFC 2-0 in Tuesday Welsh Premier League action. 

Monday, March 28, 2011

MLS All-Stars To Get Another Crack At Red Devils

The Major League Soccer All-Stars will once again take on Manchester United at this year's MLS All-Star Game, to be played at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey on July 27.

Last year at Houston's Reliant Stadium, before 70,000 fans, Federico Macheda scored twice as the Red Devils downed the All-Stars 5-2.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Road Triumph For Boca

At Santa Fe, Argentina:


Juan Riquelme scored the only goal of the match at 60 minutes on Sunday as Boca Juniors defeated Colon de Santa Fe 1-0 on the road in the Argentinian Premiera Division.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

MLS: TFC Keeps Timbers Pointless; Scoreless In Columbus; Philly, Revs, Fire, Quakes, RSL, Rapids Pick Up Wins

Eight games populated the Saturday Major League Soccer schedule.

At Toronto:

Javier Martina scored both goals (16', 69') as Toronto FC blanked the visiting Portland Timbers 2-0.

At Bridgeview, Illinois:

Goals from Diego Chaves (PK-33'), Gaston Puerari (39'), and Marco Pappa (59') enabled the Chicago Fire to hold off visiting Sporting Kansas City 3-2.

At Columbus, Ohio:

Goalkeeper Alex Horwath made five saves in his New York Red Bulls debut as the guests held the Columbus Crew to a 0-0 stalemate.

At Chester, Pennsylvania:

Carlos Ruiz scored the only goal of the match (77') as the Philadelphia Union maintained their perfect start of the season after two starts with a 1-0 home win over the Vancouver Whitecaps.

At Foxborough, Massachusetts:

Zack Schilawski (8') and Shalrie Joseph (16') provided the early scoring that stood up as the New England Revolution held off visiting DC United 2-1.

At Frisco, Texas:


Chris Wondolowski scored both goals (4', 22') as the San Jose Earthquakes blanked FC Dallas 2-0 on the road.

At Sandy, Utah:


Javier Morales scored twice (PK-9', 41') as Real Salt Lake dominated the visiting Los Angeles Galaxy 4-1.


At Carson, California:


Quincy Amarikwa provided the game's lone goal in the 32nd minute as the Colorado Rapids defeated home standing Chivas USA 1-0.




MLS STANDINGS:


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


1. Philadelphia (GP: 2; GD: +2; PTS: 6)
2. Chicago (GP: 2; GD: +1; PTS: 4)
3. New England (GP: 2; GD: +1; PTS: 4)
4. New York (GP: 2; GD: +1; PTS: 4)
5. DC United (GP: 2; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
6. Kansas City (GP: 2; GD: 0; PTS: 3)
7. Toronto FC (GP: 2; GD: 0; PTS: 3)
8. Houston (GP: 2; GD: -1; PTS: 1)
9. Columbus (GP: 2; GD: -2; PTS: 1)


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


1. Real Salt Lake (GP: 2; GD: +4; PTS: 6)
2. Colorado (GP: 2; GD: +3; PTS: 6)
3. Los Angeles (GP: 3; GD: -2; PTS: 4)
4. Vancouver (GP: 2; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
5. San Jose (GP: 2; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
6. Seattle (GP: 3; GD: -2; PTS: 1)
7. FC Dallas (GP: 2; GD: -2; PTS: 1)
8. Chivas USA (GP: 2; GD: -2; PTS: 0)
9. Portland (GP: 2; GD: -4; PTS: 0)

Dons Pick Up Home Win

At Kingston upon Thames, England:


Danny Kedwell scored the game's lone goal at 29 minutes on Saturday as AFC Wimbledon blanked visiting Rushden & Diamonds 1-0 in English Blue Square Premier Conference action.

Shots and Visiting Stanley Battle To 1-1 Deadlock

At Aldershot, England:


Darren Jones' equalizer at 52 minutes salvaged a 1-1 Saturday English League Two deadlock for Aldershot Town in their home contest with Accrington Stanley.  Rory Boulding scored for the guests at 17 minutes.

Friday, March 25, 2011

MLS: Late Equalizer Salvages Home Draw For Sounders

At Seattle:


In Friday's only Major League Soccer contest, Steve Zakuani's equalizer in the 80th minute lifted the Seattle Sounders to a 1-1 home draw with the Houston Dynamo.  Geoff Cameron scored in the 42nd minute for the guests.

Scoreless Draw Between Candystripes and Rovers

At Londonderry (Derry), Northern Ireland:

Friday's League of Ireland Premier Division contest between Derry City and visiting Shamrock Rovers concluded in a 0-0 stalemate.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Copa Libertadores: Knockout-Round Hopes For Leon de Huanuco Crippled; Home Win For Velez

Two games were played in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores on Thursday.


Group Two:


At Santa Cruz, Bolivia:


Alcides Pena (17') and Jhasmani Campos (78') provided the scoring as already-eliminated Oriente Petrolero placed visiting Leon de Huanuco on the brink of elimination 3-1.


Group Four:


At Buenos Aires, Argentina:


Emiliano Papa (23') and Santiago Silva (69') each scored a goal as Velez Sarsfield defeated visiting Union Espanola 2-1.


GROUP FOUR STANDINGS:


1. Universidad Catolica (GP: 4; GD: +1; PTS: 7)
2. Velez Sarsfield (GP: 4; GD: +2; PTS: 6)
3. Caracas FC (GP: 4; GD: -1; PTS: 6)
4. Union Espanola (GP: 4; GD: -1; PTS; 4)

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Copa Libertadores: 3-2 Road Win For Flu; 1-1 Draw In Argentina

Two more games in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores took place on Wednesday.


Group Three:


At Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:


Gum (21'), Clemerson de Araujo Soares (80'), and Deco (87') each tallied once as Fluminense came from behind to nip visiting Club America 3-2.


GROUP THREE STANDINGS:


1. Argentinos Juniors (GP: 4; GD: +2; PTS;7)
2. Club America (GP: 4; GD: 0; PTS: 6)
3. Fluminense (GP: 4; GD: 0; PTS: 5)
4. Club Nacional (Uruguay) (GP: 4; GD: -2; PTS: 4)


Group Eight:


At Mendoza, Argentina:


Ruben Ramirez scored the tying goal at 34 minutes to gain a 1-1 home draw for Godoy Cruz de Mendoza in their contest with Independiente.  Matias Defederico scored at one minute for the guests.


GROUP EIGHT STANDINGS:


1. Godoy Cruz de Mendoza (GP: 4; GD: +1; PTS: 7)
2. LDU Quito (GP: 4; GD: +6; PTS: 6)
3. Penarol (GP: 4; GD: -5; PTS: 6)
4. Independiente (GP: 4; GD: -2; PTS: 4)

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Copa Libertadores: 2-2 Draw In Asuncion; Universidad Catolica Blanks Caracas On Road

Three games were played in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores on Tuesday.


Group One:


At Asuncion, Paraguay:


Nicolas Pavlovich scored twice (15', 90'+4) as Club Libertad settled for a 2-2 home draw with Once Caldas.  Wason Renteria scored both goals for the Colombian club (11', 17').


At San Luis Potosi, Mexico:


Michael Arroyo scored twice (14', 75') as San Luis defeated visiting Universidad San Martin 3-1.


GROUP ONE STANDINGS:


1. Club Libertad* (GP: 5; GD: +6; PTS: 11)
2. Universidad San Martin (GP: 5; GD: -2; PTS: 6)
3. San Luis (GP: 5; GD: -1; PTS: 5)
4. Once Caldas (GP: 5; GD: -3; PTS: 4)


*Clinched berth in knockout stage
Group Four:


At Caracas, Venezuela:


Jose Villanueva (49') and Lucas Pratto (85') each scored once as Universidad Catolica defeated Caracas FC 2-0 on the road.

Blues Too Much For Ports

At Portadown, Northern Ireland:


Mark McAllister scored twice (45', 86') as Linfield buried hosts Portadown 4-0 in Tuesday IFA Premiership action.

Matching Goose Eggs In Crewe

At Crewe, England:


Tuesday's League Two contest in England between Accrington Stanley and hosts Crewe Alexandra ended in a 0-0 stalemate.

Late Goal Salvages Home Draw For Addicks

At London:


In Tuesday English League One action, Bradley Wright-Phillips haunted his former team with a late equalizer (86') as Charlton Athletic gained a 1-1 home draw with Southampton.  Radhi Jaidi scored for the Saints at 64 minutes.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

MLS: Juninho Salvages Home Draw For Galaxy

At Carson, California:


Vitor Juninho Junior's equalizer at 38 minutes salvaged a 1-1 home draw for the Los Angeles Galaxy against the New England Revolution in the lone Major League Soccer contest.  Shalrie Joseph scored for the visiting Revs at 2 minutes.


MLS STANDINGS:


EASTERN CONFERENCE:


1. DC United (GP: 1; GD: +2; PTS: 3)
2. Kansas City (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
3. Philadelphia (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
     New York (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
5. Chicago (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)
     New England (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)
7. Houston (GP:1; GD: -1; PTS: 0
8. Toronto FC (GP: 1; GD: -2; PTS: 0)
9. Columbus (GP: 1; GD: -2; PTS: 0)


WESTERN CONFERENCE:


1. Los Angeles (GP: 2; GD: +1; PTS: 4)
2. Vancouver (GP: 1; GD: +2; PTS: 3)
3. Colorado (GP: 1; GD: +2; PTS: 3)
4. Real Salt Lake (GP: 1; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
5. FC Dallas (GP: 1; GD: 0; PTS: 1)
6. Chivas USA (GP: 1; GD: -1; PTS: 0)
7. San Jose (GP: 1; GD: -1; PTS: 0)
8. Portland (GP: 1; GD: -2; PTS: 0)
9. Seattle (GP: 2; GD: -2; PTS: 0)

Still More Problems For Boca

At Buenos Aires, Argentina:


Olimpio, with goals from Martin Rolle (39') and Julio Furch (89') blanked Boca Juniors 2-0 on the road in Sunday Premiera Division action in Argentina.

CAF Champions League: More First-Round Action

The opening weekend of Round of 32 play in the CAF Champions League continued on Sunday.


At Bitam, Gabon:


The opening contest of the two-game series between US Bitam and Nigeria's Enyimba ended in a 0-0 stalemate.


At Harare, Zimbabwe:


Guthrie Zhokinyi (17'), Roderick Mutuma (45'+2), Denver Mukamba (76'), and Farai Vimisai (83') carried Dynamos FC to a convincing 4-1 game-one home win over MC Alger.


At Dakar, Senegal:


Djibril Sidibe scored twice (7', 69') as ASC Diaraf dominated visiting Djoliba 3-0 in their series opener.


At Tunis, Tunisia:


With Ezechiel Ndouassel (3'), Youssef Mouihbi (46'), Karim Aouadhi (53'), and Bilel Ifa (86') each scoring one, Club Africain took game one at home against Zamalek 4-2.


At Omdurman, Sudan:


Mudathir Eltaib scored twice in the second half (55', 80') as Al-Ahly dominated visiting Recreativo Caala in game one of their two-game set 3-0.


At Lumbumbashi, Democratic Republic of the Congo:


Milota Kabangu (11'), Narcisse Ekanga (30'), and Dioko Kaluyituka (64') delivered a goal apiece as TP Mazembe began their quest of a third consecutive continental club crown with a 3-1 home win in game one of their series with Simba SC from Tanzania.


At Casablanca, Morocco:


Fabrice N'Guessi scored both goals (8', 84') minutes as Wydad Casablanca blanked visiting Kano Pillars 2-0 in their series opener.


At Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo:


Hilaire Momi scored the lone goal of the match (3') as Cotonsport defeated AS Vita Club 1-0 on the road in game one of their two-match series.

Less Than Rousing Start To Rosenborg's Title Defense

At Bergen, Norway:


Kim Ojo (11') and Bjornar Holmvik (42') provided the first-half scoring as SK Brann spoiled the start of visiting Rosenborg's title defense 2-1 on Sunday in the opening Norwegian Premier League contest for both clubs.

Another Tough Setback For Grasshoppers

At Zurich, Switzerland:


Marco Streller (43') and Alexander Frei (81') provided the goals that carried FC Basel to a 2-1 road win over Grasshoppers in Sunday Swiss Super League action.

Lions Keep Brondby From Moving Into Champions League Place

At Copenhagen, Denmark:


Cesar Santin (47'), Dame N'Doye (69'), and Jesper Gronkjaer (90') each tallied once as FC Copenhagen Came from behind to defeat visiting Brondby IF 3-1 in Sunday Danish SuperLiga action.  

Home Deadlock For Bulls vs. Austria Vienna

At Wals-Siezenheim, Austria:


Zlatko Junuzovic equalized at 51 minutes, enabling Austria Vienna to obtain first place atop the Austrian Bundesliga standings on Sunday with their 1-1 road draw with Red Bull Salzburg.  Milan Dudic scored at 9 minutes for the Bulls, who trail Austria by three points in third place (second-place Sturm Graz are one point off the lead).

Close Win Over Gent Puts Anderlecht Back Atop Juliper League Standings

At Brussels, Belgium:


Tom De Sutter scored twice (58', 81') while Romelo Lukauk scored the winning goal at 84 minutes as RSC Anderlecht came from behind to edge visiting KAA Gent 3-2 in Sunday action in the Belgian Juliper League.  The win placed the Purple and White back atop the league standings by one point over Genk.

Monaco's Relegation Woes Continue

At Fontvieielle, Monaco:


Andre Luiz scored the only goal of the match on Sunday as AS Nancy got some important help in their fight to avoid Ligue 1 relegation with a 1-0 road win over 18th-place Monaco.  Park Chu-Young's penalty kick for the hosts at 43 minutes was blocked by Thistles goalkeeper Damien Gregorini.

Anchovies Gag Visiting Parakeets

At Malaga, Spain:


Salomon Rondon scored both goals in the first half (8', 26') on Sunday as relegation-threatened Malaga blanked visiting Espanyol 2-0 in Spanish Premiera Division action.

Let's Be Franck About It

Apparently, someone thinks the Europa League is rubbish.

Ajax Knocked Off At The Hague

At The Hague, Netherlands:

Timothy Derijck's game-winning goal at 87 minutes propelled ADO Den Haag to a 3-2 home win over Ajax Amsterdam in Sunday Dutch Eredivisie action.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

O-League: Auckland City vs. Amicale For All The Marbles

Group stage play in the OFC Champions League concluded on Saturday.


Group A:


At Honiara, Solomon Islands:


Despite dropping a 1-0 road decision to Koloale FC, Amicale FC still clinched the top spot in Group A.  Joses Nawo scored for the hosts at 83 minutes.


At Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea:


Andrew Stefano's stoppage-time equalizer (90'+5) carried PRK Hekari United to a 1-1 home draw with Lautoka FC (Peni Finau scoring at 38 minutes).


FINAL GROUP A STANDINGS:


1. Amicale FC (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS: 10)
2. Koloale FC Honiara (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 9)
3. Lautoka FC (GP: 6; GD: -7; PTS: 8)
4. PRK Hekari United (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 6)


Group B:


At Auckland, New Zealand:


Daniel Koprivcic scored twice (44', 90'+1) as Auckland City demolished visiting AS Tefana 5-0.


At Auckland, New Zealand:


Ryan De Vries (32') and Allan Pearce (88') each scored once as Waitakere United defeated visiting AS Magenta 2-1.


FINAL GROUP B STANDINGS:


1. Auckland City (GP: 6; GD: +10; PTS: 14)
2. Waitakere United (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 8)
3. AS Magenta (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 7)
4. AS Tefana (GP: 6; GD: -9; PTS: 4)


Amicale FC and Auckland City advanced to the two-match OFC Champions League final.  The opening match will take place on April 2 with the return match scheduled for April 16.

CAF Champions League: Despite Turmoil In Homeland, ASEC Mimosas Advance To Round of 16

Round of 16 play in the CAF Champions League continued on Saturday.


At Omdurman, Sudan:


Mohamed Osman Hanno (16') and Faisal Agab (86') provided the scoring that lifted Al-Merreikh to a 2-0 home win in their opening contest with Inter Luanda. 


At Tunis, Tunisia:


Youssef Msakni scored twice (8', 15') during a five-goal first-half barrage as Esperance ST demolished visiting ASPAC FC 5-0 in game one.


At Harare, Zimbabwe:


In a series that was reduced to one game due to ongoing unrest in the Ivory Coast, after a scoreless contest, visiting ASEC Mimosas won the penalty-kick shootout 4-2 to oust Motor Action and advance to the Round of 16.


At Bamako, Mali:


Mamadou Coulibaly scored twice (44', 54') as Stade Malien edged visiting Raja Casablanca 2-1 in game one of their two-match series.  Bouchaib El Moubarki scored at 7 minutes to keep the Moroccan club alive in the series.


At Setif, Algeria:


Nabil Hamani (8') and Lazhar Hadj Aissa (47') provided the goals that lifted ES Setif to a 2-0 game-one home win over ASFA Yennenga.


At Ndola, Zambia:


A hat trick from Alfred Luputa (5', 10', 80') helped ZESCO United annihilate visiting Young Buffaloes 5-0 in match one of their two-game series.

MLS: Whitecaps Take League Debut; Timbers Not So Hot; DCU, Philly, Red Bulls, RSL, SKC Take Openers, Fire and Hoops Draw

Eight Major League Soccer contests were played on Saturday.


At Vancouver, British Columbia:


Eric Hassli scored twice (15'-the first goal in Whitecaps MLS history, 73') as Vancouver Whitecaps FC doubled up on visiting Toronto FC 4-2 in the Whitecaps' inaugural MLS contest.


At Washington:


Charlie Davies, in his first competitive match in 17 months, scored twice (PK-62', 77') as DC United defeated the visiting Columbus Crew 3-1.


At Harrison, New Jersey:


Juan Agudelo scored the game's lone goal at 69 minutes as the New York Red Bulls blanked the visiting Seattle Sounders 1-0.


At Frisco, Texas:


The Chicago Fire and home standing FC Dallas battled to a 1-1 deadlock.  Gaston Puerari scored for the Fire at 17 minutes, only to see Milton Rodriguez equalize at 18 minutes for the Hoops.


At Houston:


Danny Califf scored the lone goal of the match in the 5th minute as the Philadelphia Union knocked off the Houston Dynamo 1-0 on the road.


At Commerce City, Colorado:


Goals scored in the first half by Jeff Larentowicz (7'), Omar Cummings (28', becoming the first player in MLS history to score a goal in four consecutive season openers), and Jamie Smith (30') proved too much as the Colorado Rapids began defense of their MLS title by ruining the visiting Portland Timbers' MLS debut 3-1.  Kenny Cooper scored the Timbers' first MLS goal on a free kick in the 80th minute.


At Carson, California:


Omar Bravo scored twice (45', 74') as Sporting Kansas City (the artists formerly known as the Kansas City Wizards) defeated Chivas USA 3-2 on the road.


At Santa Clara, California:


Kyle Beckerman's goal (63') provided all the scoring as Real Salt Lake defeated the San Jose Earthquakes 1-0 on the road.



Saints Top Bangor City To Keep Title Chances Alive

At Oswestry, England:


The New Saints defeated visiting Bangor City 3-2 on Saturday in a battle of the top two clubs in the Welsh Premier League.  The win moved the Saints within three points of first place in the league standings.  Matty Williams (20'), Aeron Edwards (23'), and Craig Jones (75') each delivered a goal for the hosts.

Winkie Helps Blues Defeat Lisburn Distillery

At Belfast, Northern Ireland:


Winkie Murphy (25') and Peter Thompson (73') each tallied once as Linfield defeated visiting Lisburn Distillery 2-0 on Saturday to remain atop the IFA Premiership standings.

Lions Held To Scoreless Draw By Uniao de Leiria

At Lisbon, Portugal:


The lone Saturday Portugese Liga contest saw Sporting held to a 0-0 home stalemate by Uniao de Leiria.

Late Road Win For Bayern To Keep Champions League Hopes Alive

At Freiburg, Germany:


Mario Gomez (9') and Franck Ribery (88') each scored a goal on Saturday as Bayern Munich kept their hopes of qualifying for next season's UEFA Champions League alive with a 2-1 German Bundesliga road win over SC Freiburg.

Rossoneri Knocked Off In Sicily

At Palermo, Italy:


Dorin Goian scored the only goal of the match at 10 minutes on Saturday as Palermo upset visiting AC Milan 1-0 in Serie A play.

Saints Too Much For Struggling Owls

At Southampton, England:


Jose Fonte (60') and Richard Lambert (66') provided the scoring that carried Southampton to a 2-0 home win over struggling Sheffield Wednesday in Saturday English League One action.

Swans Continue Forest's Ongoing Slide

At Swansea, Wales:


Fabio Borini scored twice (26', 56') on Saturday as Swansea City defeated visiting Nottingham Forest 3-2 in English League Championship action.  

Rousing Win For Stanley

At Accrington, England:

Sean McConville (43'), Ian Craney (86'), and Andrew Procter (90') each delivered a goal as Accrington Stanley dominated visiting Port Vale 3-0 in Saturday play in England's League Two.

Wolves Stun Villa On Road

At Birmingham, England:

Matt Jarvis provided the only goal of the match at 38 minutes as Wolverhampton defeated Aston Villa 1-0 on the road in Saturday English Premier League action.  It was Wolves' first win over their Midlands rivals in 31 years and it stretched their unbeaten streak to four games.

Friday, March 18, 2011

Scoreless In Guadalajara

At Guadalajara, Mexico:


Friday's Mexican Premiera Division contest between Tigres and hosts Estudiantes Tecos ended in a 0-0 stalemate.  The hosts' Mauro Cejas failed to convert on a penalty kick at 71 minutes.

Shamrock Rovers: Still Perfect After Three League Games

At Dublin, Ireland:


Chris Turner (11') and Ken Oman (81') each scored a goal on Friday as Shamrock Rovers continued their perfect start to the League of Ireland's Premier Division season with a 2-0 win at home over St. Patrick's Athletic.

Candystripes Blow Two-Goal Lead In 2-2 Road Draw With Boneysiders

At Drogheda, Ireland:


Colin O'Brien (63') and David Freeman (PK-65') provided the second-half scoring, two minutes apart, as Drogheda United erased a two-goal deficit to salvage a 2-2 Friday home draw with Derry City in Friday League of Ireland Premier Division action.  Eamon Zayed (5') and Gareth McGlynn (54') each tallied once for the visiting Candystripes.

Red Devils Tighten Hold On Top Spot In Conference Standings

At Crawley, England:


Matthew Tubbs (5'), Kyle McFadzean (9'), and James Dance (53') each scored once as Crawley Town tightened their hold atop the English Blue Square Premier Conference standings, stretching their lead over AFC Wimbledon to nine points following their 3-1 home win Friday over the Dons.

CAF Champions League: Al-Ahly Takes Series Opener

At Cairo, Egypt:

Osama Hosni (3') and Dominique Da Silva (84') each scored a goal as Al-Ahly defeated visiting Supersport United FC 2-0 Friday in the opening contest of a two-game series between the clubs as the CAF Champions League's Round of 32 commenced.

Europa League Draw: Dragons Draw Spartak Moscow; Portuguese Clubs Host Three Quarterfinal Round Openers

The draw for the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds of the Europa League took place at Nyon, Switzerland on Friday.


Quarterfinal round:


The opening contests of the respective two-match series are set to take place on April 7 with the return matches to take place on April 14.  


Here are the matchups with the game-one hosts listed first:


FC Porto vs. Spartak Moscow


SL Benfica vs. PSV Eindhoven


Villarreal vs. FC Twente


Sporting Braga vs. Dynamo Kiev


Semifinal round:


The opening matches are scheduled to take place on April 28 with the return contests set for May 5.


Here are the matchups with the game-one hosts listed first:


SC Braga-Dynamo Kiev winner vs. Benfica-PSV winner


Porto-Spartak Moscow winner vs. Villarreal-FC Twente winner


The final is set for Dublin, Ireland on May 18.

UEFA Champions League Draw: Chelsea To Get Rematch Of '08 Final With Manchester United

The draw for the quarterfinal and semifinal rounds of the UEFA Champions League took place on Friday at Nyon, Switzerland.


Quarterfinal round:


The opening games in the two-match series will take place on April 5 and 6 with the return contests to take place on April 12 and 13.


Here are the matchups with the hosts of the opening matches listed first:


Real Madrid vs. Tottenham Hotspur


Chelsea vs. Manchester United


Barcelona vs. Shakhtar Donetsk


Inter Milan vs. FC Schalke 04


Semifinal round:


The opening contests of the respective two-match series will take place on April 26 and 27 with the return matches set for May 3 and 4.  


Here are the matchups with the home clubs of the respective first games listed first:


Inter Milan-Schalke winner vs. Chelsea-Manchester United winner


Real Madrid-Tottenham Hotspur winner vs. Barcelona-Shakhtar Donetsk winner


The final will take place on Saturday, May 28 at Wembley Stadium in London.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Copa Libertadores: Junior Barranquilla Reach Knockout Stage; Club Guarani, Oriente Petrolero Eliminated

Action in the group stage of the Copa Libertadores resumed Thursday with four games.


Group Two:


At Huanuco, Peru:


Carlos Alberto's equalizer at 54 minutes gained a 1-1 road draw for Gremio against Leon de Huanuco.  Carlos Elias scored for the hosts at 44 minutes.


At Barranquilla, Colombia:


Carlos Bacca scored twice in the second half (64', PK-72') as Junior Barranquilla came from behind to top visiting Oriente Petrolero 2-1 to clinch a berth in the knockout stage, eliminating the Bolivian club from contention in the process.


GROUP TWO STANDINGS:


1. Junior Barranquilla* (GP: 4; GD: +4; PTS: 12)
2. Gremio (GP: 4; GD: +4; PTS: 7)
3. Leon de Huanuco (GP: 4; GD: -2; PTS: 4)
4. Oriente Petrolero# (GP: 4; GD: -6; PTS: 0)


*Clinched berth in knockout stage
#Eliminated 


Group Seven:


At La Plata, Argentina:


Hernan Lopez tripled (2', 19', 59') while Leandro Gonzalez doubled (25', 82') as Estudiantes blasted visiting Club Guarani 5-1, eliminating the Paraguayan club from the tournament.


GROUP SEVEN STANDINGS:


1. Cruzeiro (GP: 4; GD: +14; PTS: 10)
2. Estudiantes (GP: 4;GD: +1; PTS: 9)
3. Deportes Tolima (GP: 4; GD: -5; PTS: 4)
4. Club Guarani# (GP: 4; GD: -10; PTS: 0)


#Eliminated


Group Eight:


At Quito, Ecuador:


Walter Calderon scored twice (45'+1, 78') as LDU Quito demolished visiting Penarol 5-0.