The Round of 16 in the Copa Libertadores reached the midway point Thursday with three games.
At Manizales, Colombia:
The opening match between Club Libertad and hosts Once Caldas ended in a 0-0 deadlock.
At Lima, Peru:
Diego Gabriel Rivarola scored the game's only goal at 85 minutes as Universidad de Chile won game one on the road , 1-0 over Alianza Lima.
At Belo Horizonte, Brazil:
Thiago's first-half natural hat trick (6', 21', 41') carried Cruzeiro to a 3-1 home win over Uruguay's Club Nacional in the opening contest of their two-match series.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Europa League: Cottagers Reach Final With Second-Half Comback; Atletico Take Out Liverpool With OT Goal
The semifinal round of UEFA's Europa League concluded with two Thursday contests.
At London:
Goals in the second half from Simon Davies (69') and Zoltan Gera (76') enabled Fulham to erase a one-goal deficit and win game two 2-1 against Hamburg and win the two-game series 2-1 on aggregate, ruining the German club's hopes of playing the Europa League final at home on May 12. This will mark the Cottagers' first appearance in a major European final.
At Liverpool:
Liverpool, thanks to Alberto Aquilani's goal at 44 minutes, took game two of their two-match set with Atletico Madrid 1-0, squaring the two-game set 1-1 on aggregate, forcing two fifteen-minute overtime periods. In the first overtime period, Yossi Benayoun scored at 95 minutes for the Reds, giving Liverpool a 2-1 lead on aggregate, but Diego Forlan scored at 102 minutes with what turned out to be the series winner for Atletico at 2-2. The Matressmakers win the two-game series because of the away goals rule, which is enforced in overtime.
This year's final will mark the first appearance by an English club since Middlesborough lost the UEFA Cup final at Eindhoven, Netherlands to Sevilla of Spain.
The last English club to win the UEFA Cup/Europa League title: Tottenham Hotspur in 1984, winning a two-match final with Belgium's RSC Anderlecht 4-3 in a penalty-kick shootout after the series was deadlocked 2-2 on aggregate.
Atletico will be the first Spanish club sice Sevilla defeated fellow La Liga club Espanyol in a penalty-kick shootout at Glasgow, Scotland in 2007 to take part in the final of the UEFA Cup/Europa League.
This will Atletico's first appearance in the final of a major European tournament since losing to Dynamo Kiev (from the then-Soviet Union) 3-0 in the final of the old Cup Winners Cup in Lyon, France in 1986.
It was the Cup Winners Cup that has provided the Red-Whites with their lone European final triumph, in 1962, as they and Italy's Fiorentina deadlocked at 1-1 through overtime at Glasgow. Atletico won the final replay 3-0 at Stuttgart, Germany.
At London:
Goals in the second half from Simon Davies (69') and Zoltan Gera (76') enabled Fulham to erase a one-goal deficit and win game two 2-1 against Hamburg and win the two-game series 2-1 on aggregate, ruining the German club's hopes of playing the Europa League final at home on May 12. This will mark the Cottagers' first appearance in a major European final.
At Liverpool:
Liverpool, thanks to Alberto Aquilani's goal at 44 minutes, took game two of their two-match set with Atletico Madrid 1-0, squaring the two-game set 1-1 on aggregate, forcing two fifteen-minute overtime periods. In the first overtime period, Yossi Benayoun scored at 95 minutes for the Reds, giving Liverpool a 2-1 lead on aggregate, but Diego Forlan scored at 102 minutes with what turned out to be the series winner for Atletico at 2-2. The Matressmakers win the two-game series because of the away goals rule, which is enforced in overtime.
This year's final will mark the first appearance by an English club since Middlesborough lost the UEFA Cup final at Eindhoven, Netherlands to Sevilla of Spain.
The last English club to win the UEFA Cup/Europa League title: Tottenham Hotspur in 1984, winning a two-match final with Belgium's RSC Anderlecht 4-3 in a penalty-kick shootout after the series was deadlocked 2-2 on aggregate.
Atletico will be the first Spanish club sice Sevilla defeated fellow La Liga club Espanyol in a penalty-kick shootout at Glasgow, Scotland in 2007 to take part in the final of the UEFA Cup/Europa League.
This will Atletico's first appearance in the final of a major European tournament since losing to Dynamo Kiev (from the then-Soviet Union) 3-0 in the final of the old Cup Winners Cup in Lyon, France in 1986.
It was the Cup Winners Cup that has provided the Red-Whites with their lone European final triumph, in 1962, as they and Italy's Fiorentina deadlocked at 1-1 through overtime at Glasgow. Atletico won the final replay 3-0 at Stuttgart, Germany.
English Conference Promotion Playoffs: Rushden & Diamonds Held To Home Draw By Oxford United; Yorkies Take Opener From Luton Town Thanks To Late Goal
Playoffs for promotion from the English (National) Conference to the Football League (League Two) got under way as the two two-match semifinal series commenced on Thursday.
At Irthlingborough, England:
Mark Byrne's equalizer at 51 minutes enabled Rushden & Diamonds to salvage a 1-1 home draw with Oxford United in game one of their two-match set. James Constable scored what could still be a precious road goal for the Boys From Up The Hill at 29 minutes.
At York, England:
Richard Brodie scored the only goal of the match at 90 minutes as York City, at the death, took match one of their two-game series with Luton Town 1-0.
At Irthlingborough, England:
Mark Byrne's equalizer at 51 minutes enabled Rushden & Diamonds to salvage a 1-1 home draw with Oxford United in game one of their two-match set. James Constable scored what could still be a precious road goal for the Boys From Up The Hill at 29 minutes.
At York, England:
Richard Brodie scored the only goal of the match at 90 minutes as York City, at the death, took match one of their two-game series with Luton Town 1-0.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
US Open Cup: DCU Double Hoops
At Washington:
In a battle of the only two teams yet to win a Major League Soccer regular season contest, DC United, with Adam Cristman scoring twice (4', 59'), defeated visiting FC Dallas 4-2 in qualification play in the US Open Cup. Next up for United in Cup play is a contest at home with Real Salt Lake on a date yet to be determined.
In a battle of the only two teams yet to win a Major League Soccer regular season contest, DC United, with Adam Cristman scoring twice (4', 59'), defeated visiting FC Dallas 4-2 in qualification play in the US Open Cup. Next up for United in Cup play is a contest at home with Real Salt Lake on a date yet to be determined.
TFC Top Impact In Nutrilite Opener
At Toronto:
In the opening match of this year's Nutrilite Canadian Championship, Dwayne De Rosario (11') and Chad Barrett (61') each tallied once as Toronto FC defeated the visiting Montreal Impact 2-0.
The winner of this three-team tournament (which also includes the Vancouver Whitecaps) would advance to the qualifying round of the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League.
In the opening match of this year's Nutrilite Canadian Championship, Dwayne De Rosario (11') and Chad Barrett (61') each tallied once as Toronto FC defeated the visiting Montreal Impact 2-0.
The winner of this three-team tournament (which also includes the Vancouver Whitecaps) would advance to the qualifying round of the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League.
Copa Libertadores: Scoreless Draw In Lima; Flamengo and Banfield Take Series Openers At Home
Three more two-match series in the Round of 16 in the Copa Libertadores got under way on Wednesday.
At Lima, Peru:
Sao Paulo held hosts Universitario de Deportes to a 0-0 stalemate in their series opener.
At Rio de Janeiro:
Adriano's 64th-minute penalty kick proved to be all the scoring in game one, won by Flamengo 1-0 over visiting Corinthians.
At Banfield, Argentina:
James Rodriguez (46'), Roberto Battion (58'), and Sebastian Fernandez (80') each provided a goal in the second half as Banfield defeated visiting Internacional 3-1 in the opening game of their two-match series.
At Lima, Peru:
Sao Paulo held hosts Universitario de Deportes to a 0-0 stalemate in their series opener.
At Rio de Janeiro:
Adriano's 64th-minute penalty kick proved to be all the scoring in game one, won by Flamengo 1-0 over visiting Corinthians.
At Banfield, Argentina:
James Rodriguez (46'), Roberto Battion (58'), and Sebastian Fernandez (80') each provided a goal in the second half as Banfield defeated visiting Internacional 3-1 in the opening game of their two-match series.
STOPPAGE TIME GOAL CARRIES PACHUCA TO CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE CROWN
At Pachuca, Mexico:
Edgar Benitez scored the series winning goal in second-half stoppage time (90') as Pachuca won game two of the CONCACAF Champions League final 1-0, and, with the score 2-2 on aggregate, won the title because of the away goals rule. The Gophers, with their fourth regional club title now in tow, will represent CONCACAF in this coming December's FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates.
Edgar Benitez scored the series winning goal in second-half stoppage time (90') as Pachuca won game two of the CONCACAF Champions League final 1-0, and, with the score 2-2 on aggregate, won the title because of the away goals rule. The Gophers, with their fourth regional club title now in tow, will represent CONCACAF in this coming December's FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United Arab Emirates.
UEFA Champions League: Champs Dethroned: Inter Versus Bayern In Final
At Barcelona:
Despite dropping a 1-0 decision on the road to Barcelona in game two of their two match UEFA Champions League semifinal series (Gerard Pique scoring at 84 minutes), Inter Milan still won the two-game set 3-2 on aggregate. The Nerozzurri (with their happy players celebrating as pictured here) will take on Bayern Munich in Madrid on May 22 for the European club championship. It will be Inter's first appearance in the final since 1972 (when they lost at Rotterdam to Ajax Amsterdam 2-0) and they will seek their first title since 1965, when they defeated SL Benfica 1-0 on their home pitch in Milan.
Getty Images Photo
Getty Images Photo
AFC Champions League: Group Stage Play Concludes
Group stage play in the AFC Champions League, the biggest club competition in Asia, concluded with eight games on Wednesday.
Group A:
At Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:
Al Jazira, already eliminated from the tournament, still managed to knock off group winners Esteghlal FC 2-1. Saleh Basheer (51') and Tariq Ahmed (53') each tallied once early in the second half for the club from the Emirates.
At Jeddah, Saudi Arabia:
Al-Gharafa, with Nasser Mubarak scoring at the 90-minute mark for the only goal of the match, defeated hosts Al-Ahli 1-0.
FINAL GROUP A STANDINGS:
1. Al-Gharafa (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 13)
2. Esteghlal FC (GP: 6; GD: +4; PTS: 11)
3. Al-Ahli (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 6)
4. Al-Jazira (GP: 6; GD: -8; PTS: 4)
Al-Gharafa and Esteghlal FC advanced to the knockout stage.
Group B:
At Tashkent, Uzbekistan:
Denilson Nascimento scored twice (32', 57') as FC Bunyodkor smothered visiting Al-Wahda 4-1 and overtook Al-Ittihad to gain a berth in the knockout stage.
At Isfahan, Iran:
Mohamadreza Khalatbari's goal at 56 minutes was the only goal of the match as FC Zob Ahan finished atop Group B and eliminated visiting Al-Ittihad in the process with a 1-0 win.
FINAL GROUP B STANDINGS:
1. FC Zob Ahan (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS: 13)
2. FC Bunyodkor (GP: 6; GD: +3; PTS: 10)
3. Al-Ittihad (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 8)
4. Al-Wahda (GP: 6; GD: -10; PTS: 3)
FC Zob Ahan and FC Bunyodkor advanced to the knockout stage.
Group E:
At Seongnam, South Korea:
Jeon Kwang-Jin (27'), Namgung Do (72'), and Jo Jae-Cheol (83') each scored once as Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma defeated Melbourne Victory 3-2 at home.
At Beijing, China:
Joel Griffiths (26') and Erivaldo Valdo (47') provided the goalpower that carried Beijing Guoan into the knockout stage as they defeated visiting Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 to eliminate the Japanese club from the tournament.
FINAL GROUP E STANDINGS:
1. Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS: 15)
2. Beijing Guoan (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 10)
3. Kawasaki Frontale (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 6)
4. Melbourne Victory (GP: 6; GD: -7; PTS: 4)
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and Beijing Gouan advanced to the knockout stage.
Group F:
At Jakarta, Indonesia:
Perhaps someone connected with the hosts must have read my comments on why this club was still playing in the tournament after five wretchingly bad performances.
After an abysmal performance through five games, Persipura Jayapura managed to wake up and defeat visiting Changchun Yatai 2-0. Edward Ivakdalam (27') and Yustinus Pae (65') each delivered a goal for the hosts, who actually managed to piece together an excellent performance.
At Kashima, Japan:
In a battle of the two Group F clubs who already advanced to the Round of 16, Kashima Antlers, with goals courtesy of Lee Jung-Soo (20') and Takuya Nozawa (22'), defeated visiting Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 2-1 to become the only club to win all six group-stage contests.
FINAL GROUP F STANDINGS:
1. Kashima Antlers (GP: 6; GD: +11; PTS: 18)
2. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (GP: 6; GD: +11; PTS: 12)
3. Changchun Yatai (GP: 6; GD: +3; PTS: 3)
4. Persipura Jayapura (GP: 6; GD: -25; PTS: 3)
Kashima Antlers and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors advanced to the knockout stage.
Group A:
At Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:
Al Jazira, already eliminated from the tournament, still managed to knock off group winners Esteghlal FC 2-1. Saleh Basheer (51') and Tariq Ahmed (53') each tallied once early in the second half for the club from the Emirates.
At Jeddah, Saudi Arabia:
Al-Gharafa, with Nasser Mubarak scoring at the 90-minute mark for the only goal of the match, defeated hosts Al-Ahli 1-0.
FINAL GROUP A STANDINGS:
1. Al-Gharafa (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 13)
2. Esteghlal FC (GP: 6; GD: +4; PTS: 11)
3. Al-Ahli (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 6)
4. Al-Jazira (GP: 6; GD: -8; PTS: 4)
Al-Gharafa and Esteghlal FC advanced to the knockout stage.
Group B:
At Tashkent, Uzbekistan:
Denilson Nascimento scored twice (32', 57') as FC Bunyodkor smothered visiting Al-Wahda 4-1 and overtook Al-Ittihad to gain a berth in the knockout stage.
At Isfahan, Iran:
Mohamadreza Khalatbari's goal at 56 minutes was the only goal of the match as FC Zob Ahan finished atop Group B and eliminated visiting Al-Ittihad in the process with a 1-0 win.
FINAL GROUP B STANDINGS:
1. FC Zob Ahan (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS: 13)
2. FC Bunyodkor (GP: 6; GD: +3; PTS: 10)
3. Al-Ittihad (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 8)
4. Al-Wahda (GP: 6; GD: -10; PTS: 3)
FC Zob Ahan and FC Bunyodkor advanced to the knockout stage.
Group E:
At Seongnam, South Korea:
Jeon Kwang-Jin (27'), Namgung Do (72'), and Jo Jae-Cheol (83') each scored once as Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma defeated Melbourne Victory 3-2 at home.
At Beijing, China:
Joel Griffiths (26') and Erivaldo Valdo (47') provided the goalpower that carried Beijing Guoan into the knockout stage as they defeated visiting Kawasaki Frontale 2-0 to eliminate the Japanese club from the tournament.
FINAL GROUP E STANDINGS:
1. Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS: 15)
2. Beijing Guoan (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 10)
3. Kawasaki Frontale (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 6)
4. Melbourne Victory (GP: 6; GD: -7; PTS: 4)
Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma and Beijing Gouan advanced to the knockout stage.
Group F:
At Jakarta, Indonesia:
Perhaps someone connected with the hosts must have read my comments on why this club was still playing in the tournament after five wretchingly bad performances.
After an abysmal performance through five games, Persipura Jayapura managed to wake up and defeat visiting Changchun Yatai 2-0. Edward Ivakdalam (27') and Yustinus Pae (65') each delivered a goal for the hosts, who actually managed to piece together an excellent performance.
At Kashima, Japan:
In a battle of the two Group F clubs who already advanced to the Round of 16, Kashima Antlers, with goals courtesy of Lee Jung-Soo (20') and Takuya Nozawa (22'), defeated visiting Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors 2-1 to become the only club to win all six group-stage contests.
FINAL GROUP F STANDINGS:
1. Kashima Antlers (GP: 6; GD: +11; PTS: 18)
2. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (GP: 6; GD: +11; PTS: 12)
3. Changchun Yatai (GP: 6; GD: +3; PTS: 3)
4. Persipura Jayapura (GP: 6; GD: -25; PTS: 3)
Kashima Antlers and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors advanced to the knockout stage.
US Open Cup: Red Bulls Beat Union In Qualifyer
At Harrison, New Jersey:
Conor Chinn scored twice (16', 41') as the New York Red Bulls held off the visiting Philadelphia Union 2-1 Tuesday night in a US Open Cup qualifying contest. The Red Bulls advanced to the semifinal phase of qualifying and will next take on the New England Revoulution.
Conor Chinn scored twice (16', 41') as the New York Red Bulls held off the visiting Philadelphia Union 2-1 Tuesday night in a US Open Cup qualifying contest. The Red Bulls advanced to the semifinal phase of qualifying and will next take on the New England Revoulution.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Copa Libertadores: Goats And Estudiantes Take Series Openers
The knockout stage of the Copa Libertadores got under way Tuesday with the opening matches of two two-game series.
At Guadalajara, Mexico:
Omar Bravo scored twice (25', 78') as Chivas de Guadalajara took a three-points-to-nil lead in their two-game set following their 3-0 home domination of Velez Sarsfield.
At San Luis Potosi, Mexico:
Leandro Gonzalez scored the game's only goal at 24 minutes as Estudiantes took game one 1-0 on the road over San Luis.
At Guadalajara, Mexico:
Omar Bravo scored twice (25', 78') as Chivas de Guadalajara took a three-points-to-nil lead in their two-game set following their 3-0 home domination of Velez Sarsfield.
At San Luis Potosi, Mexico:
Leandro Gonzalez scored the game's only goal at 24 minutes as Estudiantes took game one 1-0 on the road over San Luis.
UEFA Champions League: Ivica Olic Hat Trick Propels Bayern To First Final Since 2001
At Lyon, France:
Ivica Olic's natural hat trick (26', 67',78', that's him celebrating) propelled Bayern Munich to a 3-0 road beatdown of Lyon in match two and a 4-0 aggregate win for their two-game series. Bayern will move on to the May 22 final at Madrid, facing the winner of Barcelona-Inter Milan (with Inter leading 3-1 on aggregate). This will be their first final appearance since winning the title in 2001 when they defeated Valencia in the penalty-kick shootout in Milan, Italy, and the first appearance by a German club in the final since Bayer Leverkusen dropped the title match at Glasgow, Scotland against Real Madrid in 2002.
Getty Images photo.
One consequence of the Bayern victory was that Rangers, who won the Scottish Premier League title on Sunday, will now automatically qualify for the Group Stage of next year's Champions League.
Ivica Olic's natural hat trick (26', 67',78', that's him celebrating) propelled Bayern Munich to a 3-0 road beatdown of Lyon in match two and a 4-0 aggregate win for their two-game series. Bayern will move on to the May 22 final at Madrid, facing the winner of Barcelona-Inter Milan (with Inter leading 3-1 on aggregate). This will be their first final appearance since winning the title in 2001 when they defeated Valencia in the penalty-kick shootout in Milan, Italy, and the first appearance by a German club in the final since Bayer Leverkusen dropped the title match at Glasgow, Scotland against Real Madrid in 2002.
One consequence of the Bayern victory was that Rangers, who won the Scottish Premier League title on Sunday, will now automatically qualify for the Group Stage of next year's Champions League.
1-1 Home Draw For Monaco
At Fontvieille, Monaco:
Ouwo Moussa Maazou's 48th-minute equalizer enabled AS Monaco to gain a 1-1 home draw with Le Mans in Tuesday action in Ligue 1. Mathieu Dossevi scored at 10 minutes for the relegation-threatened visitors.
Ouwo Moussa Maazou's 48th-minute equalizer enabled AS Monaco to gain a 1-1 home draw with Le Mans in Tuesday action in Ligue 1. Mathieu Dossevi scored at 10 minutes for the relegation-threatened visitors.
AFC Champions League: Match Day #6
The final week of group stage play in the AFC Champions League got under way with eight games on Tuesday.
Group C:
At Al Ain, United Arab Emirates:
Jose Sand provided both goals (PK-43', 72') as Al-Ain defeated visiting Sepahan FC 2-0.
At Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:
Al-Shabab defeated visiting Pakhator Tashkent 2-1, as both clubs advanced to the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League, knocking Sepahan FC, who lost to Al-Ain out of the running in the process. Marcelo Camacho (PK-65') and Amado Flavio (87') provided the goals for the hosts.
FINAL GROUP C STANDINGS:
1. Al-Shabab (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS:10)
2. Pakhtakor Tashkent (GP: 6; GD: -2; PTS: 9)
3. Sepahan FC (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
4. Al-Ain (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
Al-Shabav and Pakhtakor Tashkent advanced to the knockout stage.
Group D:
At Kerman, Iran:
Mes Kerman FC defeated visiting Al-Hilal on the road 3-1, joining the guests in qualifying for knockout-stage play. Luciano Edinho (1'), Paulo Zaltron (77'), and Mehdi Rajabzadeh (90') each scored a goal for the hosts.
At Doha, Qatar:
Jader Bare Spindler (13') and Salah Ali Abbas (90') each scored a goal as Al-Ahli eliminated Al-Sadd from the tournament by gaining a 2-2 stalemate on the road. Ali Hassan Afif (15') and Talal Al Baloushi (20') each tallied once for the hosts.
FINAL GROUP D STANDINGS:
1. Al-Hilal (GP: 6; GD: +4; PTS: 11)
2. Mes Kerman FC (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 9)
3. Al-Sadd (GP: 6; GD: +3; PTS: 8)
4. Al-Ahli (GP: 6; GD: -7; PTS: 5)
Al-Hilal and Mes Kerman FC advanced to the knockout stage.
Group G:
At Suwon, South Korea:
Jose Mota (11', 38') and Yeom Ki-Hun (46', 90') each scored twice as Suwon Samsung Bluewings blasted visiting Singapore Armed Forces FC 6-2.
At Zhengzhou, China:
Song Tae-Lim's late equalizer (90') enabled Henan Construction to salvage a 1-1 home draw with Gamba Osaka (Takashi Usami scoring at 39 minutes).
FINAL GROUP G STANDINGS:
1. Suwon Samsung Bluewings (GP: 6; GD: +9; PTS: 13)
2. Gamba Osaka (GP: 6; GD: +6; PTS: 12)
3. Singapore Armed Forces FC (GP: 6; GD: -10; PTS: 4)
4. Henan Construction (GP: 6; GD: -5; PTS: 3)
Suwon Samsung Bluewings and Gamba Osaka advanced to the knockout stage.
Group H:
At Hiroshima, Japan:
Junya Osaki (1'), Tadanari Lee (31'), Shinichiro Kuwada (43') and Tomoaki Makino (81') each scored once as Sanfrecce Hiroshima defeated visiting Pohang Steelers 4-3.
At Adelaide, Japan:
Li Wei scored the only goal of the match (53') as Shandong Luneng defeated Adelaide United 1-0 on the road.
FINAL GROUP H STANDINGS:
1. Adelaide United (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 10)
2. Pohang Steelers (GP: 6; GD: +1; PTS: 10)
3. Sanfrecce Hiroshima (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 9)
4. Shandong Luneng (GP: 6; GD: -3; PTS: 6)
Adelaide United and Pohang Steelers advanced to the knockout stage.
Group C:
At Al Ain, United Arab Emirates:
Jose Sand provided both goals (PK-43', 72') as Al-Ain defeated visiting Sepahan FC 2-0.
At Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:
Al-Shabab defeated visiting Pakhator Tashkent 2-1, as both clubs advanced to the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League, knocking Sepahan FC, who lost to Al-Ain out of the running in the process. Marcelo Camacho (PK-65') and Amado Flavio (87') provided the goals for the hosts.
FINAL GROUP C STANDINGS:
1. Al-Shabab (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS:10)
2. Pakhtakor Tashkent (GP: 6; GD: -2; PTS: 9)
3. Sepahan FC (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
4. Al-Ain (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
Al-Shabav and Pakhtakor Tashkent advanced to the knockout stage.
Group D:
At Kerman, Iran:
Mes Kerman FC defeated visiting Al-Hilal on the road 3-1, joining the guests in qualifying for knockout-stage play. Luciano Edinho (1'), Paulo Zaltron (77'), and Mehdi Rajabzadeh (90') each scored a goal for the hosts.
At Doha, Qatar:
Jader Bare Spindler (13') and Salah Ali Abbas (90') each scored a goal as Al-Ahli eliminated Al-Sadd from the tournament by gaining a 2-2 stalemate on the road. Ali Hassan Afif (15') and Talal Al Baloushi (20') each tallied once for the hosts.
FINAL GROUP D STANDINGS:
1. Al-Hilal (GP: 6; GD: +4; PTS: 11)
2. Mes Kerman FC (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 9)
3. Al-Sadd (GP: 6; GD: +3; PTS: 8)
4. Al-Ahli (GP: 6; GD: -7; PTS: 5)
Al-Hilal and Mes Kerman FC advanced to the knockout stage.
Group G:
At Suwon, South Korea:
Jose Mota (11', 38') and Yeom Ki-Hun (46', 90') each scored twice as Suwon Samsung Bluewings blasted visiting Singapore Armed Forces FC 6-2.
At Zhengzhou, China:
Song Tae-Lim's late equalizer (90') enabled Henan Construction to salvage a 1-1 home draw with Gamba Osaka (Takashi Usami scoring at 39 minutes).
FINAL GROUP G STANDINGS:
1. Suwon Samsung Bluewings (GP: 6; GD: +9; PTS: 13)
2. Gamba Osaka (GP: 6; GD: +6; PTS: 12)
3. Singapore Armed Forces FC (GP: 6; GD: -10; PTS: 4)
4. Henan Construction (GP: 6; GD: -5; PTS: 3)
Suwon Samsung Bluewings and Gamba Osaka advanced to the knockout stage.
Group H:
At Hiroshima, Japan:
Junya Osaki (1'), Tadanari Lee (31'), Shinichiro Kuwada (43') and Tomoaki Makino (81') each scored once as Sanfrecce Hiroshima defeated visiting Pohang Steelers 4-3.
At Adelaide, Japan:
Li Wei scored the only goal of the match (53') as Shandong Luneng defeated Adelaide United 1-0 on the road.
FINAL GROUP H STANDINGS:
1. Adelaide United (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 10)
2. Pohang Steelers (GP: 6; GD: +1; PTS: 10)
3. Sanfrecce Hiroshima (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 9)
4. Shandong Luneng (GP: 6; GD: -3; PTS: 6)
Adelaide United and Pohang Steelers advanced to the knockout stage.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Livorno Relegated
Sunday, April 25, 2010
MLS: Sounders Blanked In Toronto
At Toronto:
In the lone Sunday Major League Soccer contest, Dwayne De Rosario (58') and O'Brian White (76') each tallied once in the second half as Toronto FC defeated visiting Seattle Sounders FC 2-0.
MLS STANDINGS:
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
1. New York (GP: 5; GD: +2; PTS: 12)
2. Kansas City (GP: 4; GD: +4; PTS: 7)
3. Columbus (GP: 3; GD: +3; PTS: 7)
4. Chicago (GP: 5; GD: +2; PTS: 7)
5. New England (GP: 5; GD: +1; PTS:6)
6. Toronto FC (GP: 5; GD: -4; PTS; 6)
7. Philadelphia (GP: 4; GD: -3; PTS: 3)
8. DC United (GP: 4; GD: -9; PTS: 0)
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
1. Los Angeles (GP: 5; GD: +6; PTS:13)
2. Colorado (GP: 5; GD: +3; PTS: 10)
3. Seattle (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 8)
4. Houston (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
5. San Jose (GP: 4; GD: -1; PTS: 6)
6. Chivas USA (GP: 5; GD: -3; PTS:6)
7. Real Salt Lake (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 4)
8. FC Dallas (GP: 4; GD: -1; PTS: 3)
In the lone Sunday Major League Soccer contest, Dwayne De Rosario (58') and O'Brian White (76') each tallied once in the second half as Toronto FC defeated visiting Seattle Sounders FC 2-0.
MLS STANDINGS:
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
1. New York (GP: 5; GD: +2; PTS: 12)
2. Kansas City (GP: 4; GD: +4; PTS: 7)
3. Columbus (GP: 3; GD: +3; PTS: 7)
4. Chicago (GP: 5; GD: +2; PTS: 7)
5. New England (GP: 5; GD: +1; PTS:6)
6. Toronto FC (GP: 5; GD: -4; PTS; 6)
7. Philadelphia (GP: 4; GD: -3; PTS: 3)
8. DC United (GP: 4; GD: -9; PTS: 0)
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
1. Los Angeles (GP: 5; GD: +6; PTS:13)
2. Colorado (GP: 5; GD: +3; PTS: 10)
3. Seattle (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 8)
4. Houston (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
5. San Jose (GP: 4; GD: -1; PTS: 6)
6. Chivas USA (GP: 5; GD: -3; PTS:6)
7. Real Salt Lake (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 4)
8. FC Dallas (GP: 4; GD: -1; PTS: 3)
CAF Champions League: TP Mazembe, JS Kabylie, Ismaily, Dynamos Take Series Openers
The second round of the CAF Champions League reached the halfway point on Sunday with four games.
At Bamako, Mali:
TP Mazembe, thanks to Mputu Mabi's successful 53rd-minute penalty kick, took game one of their two-match series 1-0 on the road against Djoliba.
At Omdurman, Sudan:
Homos provided the only goal of the match at 45 minutes as Ismaily took the opening match of their two-game set on the road 1-0 over Al-Hilal
At Tizi Ouzou, Algeria:
JS Kabylie took game one of their two-game set with Atletico Petroleos Luanda 2-0 at home , thanks to goals from Fares Hamiti (51') and Mohamed Amine Aoudia (90').
At Harare, Zimbabwe:
Dynamos had little trouble in their series opener with visiting Gaborone United, winning 4-1. Dylan Chivandire (42'), Benjamin Marere (44'), Farai Vimisayi (56'), and Evans Gwekwerere (83') each scored once for the hosts.
At Bamako, Mali:
TP Mazembe, thanks to Mputu Mabi's successful 53rd-minute penalty kick, took game one of their two-match series 1-0 on the road against Djoliba.
At Omdurman, Sudan:
Homos provided the only goal of the match at 45 minutes as Ismaily took the opening match of their two-game set on the road 1-0 over Al-Hilal
At Tizi Ouzou, Algeria:
JS Kabylie took game one of their two-game set with Atletico Petroleos Luanda 2-0 at home , thanks to goals from Fares Hamiti (51') and Mohamed Amine Aoudia (90').
At Harare, Zimbabwe:
Dynamos had little trouble in their series opener with visiting Gaborone United, winning 4-1. Dylan Chivandire (42'), Benjamin Marere (44'), Farai Vimisayi (56'), and Evans Gwekwerere (83') each scored once for the hosts.
Dutch Cup Final: Ajax Take Opening Match At Home, Thanks To Siem de Jong
At Amsterdam, Netherlands:
Siem de Jong provided both goals (6', 7') as Ajax Amsterdam took the opening match of the Dutch Cup final with a 2-0 home win over arch-rivals Feyenoord Rotterdam on Sunday.
The two teams will go at it again at Rotterdam in the return match on May 6.
Siem de Jong provided both goals (6', 7') as Ajax Amsterdam took the opening match of the Dutch Cup final with a 2-0 home win over arch-rivals Feyenoord Rotterdam on Sunday.
The two teams will go at it again at Rotterdam in the return match on May 6.
Lions Settle For Home Draw
At Leiria, Portugal:
Cassio's equalizer at 49 minutes enabled Uniao de Leiria to gain a 1-1 home draw in Sunday Portuguese Liga play with Sporting. Liedson scored at 16 minutes for the visiting Lions.
Cassio's equalizer at 49 minutes enabled Uniao de Leiria to gain a 1-1 home draw in Sunday Portuguese Liga play with Sporting. Liedson scored at 16 minutes for the visiting Lions.
Parakeets Help Survival Bid With Road Win
At Almeria, Spain:
Luis Garcia scored the only goal of the match (55') as Espanyol helped their top-flight survival cause with a 1-0 road win Sunday over Almeria in Spanish Premeira Division action.
Luis Garcia scored the only goal of the match (55') as Espanyol helped their top-flight survival cause with a 1-0 road win Sunday over Almeria in Spanish Premeira Division action.
SPL: Rangers Clinch Title; Bhoys Clinch Second
At Dundee, England:
Diomansy Kamara (30') and Robbie Keane (PK-90') provided the goals as Celtic clinched second place in the Scottish Premier League on Sunday with a 2-0 road win over Dundee United. What chance the Bhoys might have had of winning the SPL title ended because.......
At Edinburgh, Scotland:
Kyle Lafferty's goal at 17 minutes lifted Rangers to a 1-0 road win over Hibernian to clinch their second straight SPL championship, also on Sunday.
As for the 2010-11 UEFA Champions League, both Rangers (in the Champions bracket) and Celtic (in the Best-Placed Team bracket) will take part in the third round of qualifying.
Diomansy Kamara (30') and Robbie Keane (PK-90') provided the goals as Celtic clinched second place in the Scottish Premier League on Sunday with a 2-0 road win over Dundee United. What chance the Bhoys might have had of winning the SPL title ended because.......
At Edinburgh, Scotland:
Kyle Lafferty's goal at 17 minutes lifted Rangers to a 1-0 road win over Hibernian to clinch their second straight SPL championship, also on Sunday.
As for the 2010-11 UEFA Champions League, both Rangers (in the Champions bracket) and Celtic (in the Best-Placed Team bracket) will take part in the third round of qualifying.
WOLVES (AND LACTICS, TOO) STAY UP: SECOND-HALF BARRAGE FOR LIVERPOOL CLINCHES CLARETS' RELEGATION
At Burnley, England:
Steven Gerard's double (52', 59') helped bust open a game that was scoreless at halftime as Liverpool demolished Burnely 4-0 on the road Sunday in English Premier League play. The result, besides keeping the Reds hopes of finishing fourth in the league standings and keeping their hopes of UEFA Champions League soccer next season alive, also clinched Premiership survival for both Wolverhampton and Wigan Athletic and assured the Clarets of relegation back to the League Championship after one year in the top flight.
As for Burnley, how they have collapsed after such a promising start , especially at home, to their first season in the top flight since 1975-76 should not have really been surprising. The crippling blow may have taken place this January after manager Owen Coyle left for Bolton (who managed to survive their relegation battle) and he was replaced by Brian Laws, who came over from Sheffield Wednesday-----who are now on the brink of relegation from the League Championship. This particular hiring, in the final analysis, just didn't make much sense.
Burnley , with a population of 73,000, has been the smallest city to have a club in the Premier League. This may be akin to the National Football League placing a franchise in Medford, Oregon.
Steven Gerard's double (52', 59') helped bust open a game that was scoreless at halftime as Liverpool demolished Burnely 4-0 on the road Sunday in English Premier League play. The result, besides keeping the Reds hopes of finishing fourth in the league standings and keeping their hopes of UEFA Champions League soccer next season alive, also clinched Premiership survival for both Wolverhampton and Wigan Athletic and assured the Clarets of relegation back to the League Championship after one year in the top flight.
As for Burnley, how they have collapsed after such a promising start , especially at home, to their first season in the top flight since 1975-76 should not have really been surprising. The crippling blow may have taken place this January after manager Owen Coyle left for Bolton (who managed to survive their relegation battle) and he was replaced by Brian Laws, who came over from Sheffield Wednesday-----who are now on the brink of relegation from the League Championship. This particular hiring, in the final analysis, just didn't make much sense.
Burnley , with a population of 73,000, has been the smallest city to have a club in the Premier League. This may be akin to the National Football League placing a franchise in Medford, Oregon.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Shrimpers Relegated
At Oldham, England:
Despite coming back to gain a 2-2 draw on the road in League One action against Oldham Athletic, Southend United were still relegated to League Two on Saturday.
Despite coming back to gain a 2-2 draw on the road in League One action against Oldham Athletic, Southend United were still relegated to League Two on Saturday.
CAF Champions League: ES Setif Grab Series Opener; Scoreless In Johannesburg
The second round of the CAF Champions League continued Saturday with two games.
At Setif, Algeria:
Mourad Delhoum scored the only goal of the match at 73 minutes as ES Setif took game one of their two-game series 1-0 at home against Zanaco FC.
At Johannesburg, South Africa:
The opening match between Supersport United and visiting Heartland FC ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
At Setif, Algeria:
Mourad Delhoum scored the only goal of the match at 73 minutes as ES Setif took game one of their two-game series 1-0 at home against Zanaco FC.
At Johannesburg, South Africa:
The opening match between Supersport United and visiting Heartland FC ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
MLS: Red Bulls Make It Four In Five; Fire, Rapids, Goats, Crew Also Win; Scoreless In Kansas City-----Kansas, That Is
Six games were contested Saturday in Major League Soccer.
At Harrison, New Jersey:
Juan Pablo Angel's successful penalty kick at 67 minutes proved to be the game winner as the New York Red Bulls defeated the visiting Philadelphia Union 2-1. It was the Red Bulls fourth win in five games this season. They won a grand total of five games all last season.
At Columbus, Ohio:
Guillermo Barros Schelotto's successful penalty kick at 38 minutes provided all the scoring as the Columbus Crew downed visiting Real Salt Lake 1-0.
At Foxborough, Massachusetts:
Goals courtesy of Mehdi Ballouchy (13') and Pablo Mastroeni (73') lifted the Colorado Rapids to their third straight triumph, a 2-1 road win over the New England Revolution.
At Bridgeview, Illinois:
The Chicago Fire blanked the visiting Houston Dynamo 2-0. Andrew Dykstra stopped six shots in his second shutout of the season while Baggio Husidic (45') and Peter Lowry (67') each tallied once for the hosts.
At Kansas City, Kansas:
The Kansas City Wizards kept Edson Buddle---and the Los Angeles Galaxy---off the scoreboard for the first time this season as the two clubs battled to a 0-0 stalemate.
At Carson, California:
With goals from Sacha Kljestan (25'), Justin Braun (53') and Chukwudi Chijindu (87'), Chivas USA defeated the visiting San Jose Earthquakes 3-1.
At Harrison, New Jersey:
Juan Pablo Angel's successful penalty kick at 67 minutes proved to be the game winner as the New York Red Bulls defeated the visiting Philadelphia Union 2-1. It was the Red Bulls fourth win in five games this season. They won a grand total of five games all last season.
At Columbus, Ohio:
Guillermo Barros Schelotto's successful penalty kick at 38 minutes provided all the scoring as the Columbus Crew downed visiting Real Salt Lake 1-0.
At Foxborough, Massachusetts:
Goals courtesy of Mehdi Ballouchy (13') and Pablo Mastroeni (73') lifted the Colorado Rapids to their third straight triumph, a 2-1 road win over the New England Revolution.
At Bridgeview, Illinois:
The Chicago Fire blanked the visiting Houston Dynamo 2-0. Andrew Dykstra stopped six shots in his second shutout of the season while Baggio Husidic (45') and Peter Lowry (67') each tallied once for the hosts.
At Kansas City, Kansas:
The Kansas City Wizards kept Edson Buddle---and the Los Angeles Galaxy---off the scoreboard for the first time this season as the two clubs battled to a 0-0 stalemate.
At Carson, California:
With goals from Sacha Kljestan (25'), Justin Braun (53') and Chukwudi Chijindu (87'), Chivas USA defeated the visiting San Jose Earthquakes 3-1.
Rossoneri Title Hopes Effectively Dead
At Palermo, Italy:
Cesare Bovo (9'), Abel Hernandez (18'), and Fabrizio Miccoli (69') each tallied once as Palermo defeated visiting AC Milan 3-1 Saturday in Serie A action, effectively ending the Rossoneri's flickering hopes of capturing the league title. The hosts move into the fourth and final Champions League berth with the win.
Cesare Bovo (9'), Abel Hernandez (18'), and Fabrizio Miccoli (69') each tallied once as Palermo defeated visiting AC Milan 3-1 Saturday in Serie A action, effectively ending the Rossoneri's flickering hopes of capturing the league title. The hosts move into the fourth and final Champions League berth with the win.
Bayern Stay On Top With Draw With Mochengladbach
At Mochengladbach, Germany:
Miroslav Klose came off the bench and knocked in the equalizer (73') as Bayern Munich stayed atop the German Bundesliga standings on Saturday with a 1-1 road deadlock with Borussia Mochengladbach (Marco Reus scoring at 60 minutes).
Miroslav Klose came off the bench and knocked in the equalizer (73') as Bayern Munich stayed atop the German Bundesliga standings on Saturday with a 1-1 road deadlock with Borussia Mochengladbach (Marco Reus scoring at 60 minutes).
Life's A Bowl Of Cherries: AFC Bournemouth League-One Bound
At Burton upon Trent, England:
Brett Pittman (66') and Alan Connell (90') each tallied once as AFC Bournemouth clinched automatic promotion from League Two on Saturday, defeating Burton Albion 2-0 on the road. The Cherries, along with Notts County and Rochdale, will be playing in League One next year in England. Four teams will compete in next month's playoffs for promotion to the third tier of English soccer.
Brett Pittman (66') and Alan Connell (90') each tallied once as AFC Bournemouth clinched automatic promotion from League Two on Saturday, defeating Burton Albion 2-0 on the road. The Cherries, along with Notts County and Rochdale, will be playing in League One next year in England. Four teams will compete in next month's playoffs for promotion to the third tier of English soccer.
Wanderers On Brink Of Survival: Wolves Gain Home Draw With Blackburn
At Wolverhampton, England:
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's equalizer (81') enabled Wolverhampton to gain a 1-1 home draw Saturday with Blackburn (Ryan Nelson scoring at 28 minutes) to all but assure another season in the English Premier League. Should Burnley fail to defeat Liverpool at home on Sunday, Wolves will secure Premiership survival.
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake's equalizer (81') enabled Wolverhampton to gain a 1-1 home draw Saturday with Blackburn (Ryan Nelson scoring at 28 minutes) to all but assure another season in the English Premier League. Should Burnley fail to defeat Liverpool at home on Sunday, Wolves will secure Premiership survival.
Friday, April 23, 2010
CAF Champions League: Esperance St and Al-Ittihad (Libya) Take Series Openers
The second round of the CAF Champions League got under way on Friday with the opening contests in two two-game series.
At Tunis, Tunisia:
Michael Eneramo (8'), Aymen Ben Omar (23'), and Oussama Darragi (PK-28') each scored a first-half goal as Esperance ST dominted visiting Al-Merreikh 3-0 in game one of their two-match set.
At Tripoli, Libya:
Younes Al Shibani (13') and Ahmed Zuway (73') each tallied once as Alittihad Tripoli knocked off visiting Al-Ahly 2-0 in their series opener.
At Tunis, Tunisia:
Michael Eneramo (8'), Aymen Ben Omar (23'), and Oussama Darragi (PK-28') each scored a first-half goal as Esperance ST dominted visiting Al-Merreikh 3-0 in game one of their two-match set.
At Tripoli, Libya:
Younes Al Shibani (13') and Ahmed Zuway (73') each tallied once as Alittihad Tripoli knocked off visiting Al-Ahly 2-0 in their series opener.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Copa Libertadores: Group Stage Play Concludes
Four games on Thursday marked the conclusion of group stage play in the Copa Libertadores.
Group One:
At Asuncion, Paraguay:
Cerro Porteno gained a 0-0 home stalemate with Racing Club de Montevideo. Despite finishing second in Group One, the visiting Uruguayan club were still eliminated from the tournament since they did not finish among the six best second-place finishers.
At Sao Paulo, Brazil:
Juan Valencia's own goal at 22 minutes provided all the scoring as Corinthians, who already locked up the Group One title and what turned out to be the group's lone place in the knockout stage, defeated visiting Indepeniente Medellin 1-0.
FINAL GROUP ONE STANDINGS:
1. Corinthians (GP: 6; GD: +6; PTS: 16)
2. Racing Club de Montevideo (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 8)
3. Independiente Medellin (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 6)
4. Cerro Porteno (GP: 6; GD: -4; PTS: 2)
Corinthians advanced to the knockout stage of the Copa Libertadores.
Group Five:
At Porto Alegre, Brazil:
Internacional won Group Five and a berth in the Round of 16 with a 3-0 home beatdown of Deportivo Quito, overtaking the Ecuadorian club in the group standings and eliminating them from the tournament in the process. Andrezinho (4'), Bolivar Guedes (61'), and Giuliano (90') each tallied once for the hosts.
At Montevideo, Uruguay:
Club Emelec held hosts Cerro to a 0-0 stalemate, ending the hosts hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.
FINAL GROUP FIVE STANDINGS:
1. Internacional (GP: 6; GD: +6; PTS: 12)
2. Deportivo Quito (GP: 6; GD: -2; PTS: 10)
3. Cerro (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 8)
4. Club Sport Emelec (GP: 6; GD: -4; PTS: 2)
Internacional advanced to the knockout stage of the Copa Libertadores.
The following second-place clubs advanced to the knockout stage:
Alianza Lima
Cruzeiro
Banfield
Once Caldas
Universitario de Deportes
Flamengo
Here are the matchups for the Round of 16.
Corinthians vs. Flamengo
Universidad de Chile vs. Alianza Lima
Club Libertad vs. Once Caldas
Velez Sarsfield vs. Chivas de Guadalajara
Estudiantes vs. San Luis
Internacional vs. Banfield
Club Nacional (Uruguay) vs. Cruzeiro
Sao Paulo vs. Universitario de Deportes
Group One:
At Asuncion, Paraguay:
Cerro Porteno gained a 0-0 home stalemate with Racing Club de Montevideo. Despite finishing second in Group One, the visiting Uruguayan club were still eliminated from the tournament since they did not finish among the six best second-place finishers.
At Sao Paulo, Brazil:
Juan Valencia's own goal at 22 minutes provided all the scoring as Corinthians, who already locked up the Group One title and what turned out to be the group's lone place in the knockout stage, defeated visiting Indepeniente Medellin 1-0.
FINAL GROUP ONE STANDINGS:
1. Corinthians (GP: 6; GD: +6; PTS: 16)
2. Racing Club de Montevideo (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 8)
3. Independiente Medellin (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 6)
4. Cerro Porteno (GP: 6; GD: -4; PTS: 2)
Corinthians advanced to the knockout stage of the Copa Libertadores.
Group Five:
At Porto Alegre, Brazil:
Internacional won Group Five and a berth in the Round of 16 with a 3-0 home beatdown of Deportivo Quito, overtaking the Ecuadorian club in the group standings and eliminating them from the tournament in the process. Andrezinho (4'), Bolivar Guedes (61'), and Giuliano (90') each tallied once for the hosts.
At Montevideo, Uruguay:
Club Emelec held hosts Cerro to a 0-0 stalemate, ending the hosts hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.
FINAL GROUP FIVE STANDINGS:
1. Internacional (GP: 6; GD: +6; PTS: 12)
2. Deportivo Quito (GP: 6; GD: -2; PTS: 10)
3. Cerro (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 8)
4. Club Sport Emelec (GP: 6; GD: -4; PTS: 2)
Internacional advanced to the knockout stage of the Copa Libertadores.
The following second-place clubs advanced to the knockout stage:
Alianza Lima
Cruzeiro
Banfield
Once Caldas
Universitario de Deportes
Flamengo
Here are the matchups for the Round of 16.
Corinthians vs. Flamengo
Universidad de Chile vs. Alianza Lima
Club Libertad vs. Once Caldas
Velez Sarsfield vs. Chivas de Guadalajara
Estudiantes vs. San Luis
Internacional vs. Banfield
Club Nacional (Uruguay) vs. Cruzeiro
Sao Paulo vs. Universitario de Deportes
MLS: Jeff Cunningham Double (2 PKs) Lift Hoops To Home Draw With Sounders
At Frisco:
In the lone Thursday night Major League Soccer contest, two successful penalty kicks from Jeff Cunningham (26', 90') enabled FC Dallas to salvage a 2-2 home draw with Seattle Sounders FC. Steve Zakuani (38') and Fredy Montero (54') provided the scoring punch for the visiting Sounders.
In the lone Thursday night Major League Soccer contest, two successful penalty kicks from Jeff Cunningham (26', 90') enabled FC Dallas to salvage a 2-2 home draw with Seattle Sounders FC. Steve Zakuani (38') and Fredy Montero (54') provided the scoring punch for the visiting Sounders.
Europa League: Atletico Take Series Opener Against Liverpool; Scoreless Draw In Hamburg
The semifinal round of UEFA's Europa League opened on Thursday.
At Madrid:
Diego Forlan scored the only goal of the match at 9 minutes as Atletico Madrid defeated visiting Liverpool 1-0 in game one of their two-match series.
At Hamburg, Germany:
The opening match of the two-game semifinal series between Fulham and hosts Hamburg ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
At Madrid:
Diego Forlan scored the only goal of the match at 9 minutes as Atletico Madrid defeated visiting Liverpool 1-0 in game one of their two-match series.
At Hamburg, Germany:
The opening match of the two-game semifinal series between Fulham and hosts Hamburg ended in a 0-0 stalemate.
No Europa League For Pompey
Regardless of what happens in their May 15 FA Cup final against Chelsea, there apparently will be no Europa League action for Portsmouth next season.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
CONCACAF Champions League Final: Cruz Azul Take Series Opener At Home
At Mexico City:
Cruz Azul took the opening match of the two-game CONCACAF Champions League final, 2-1 at home over fellow Mexican club Pachuca. Emanuel Villa (19') and the visitors' Carlos Rodriguez (OG-23') scored in the first half for Azul, but Damian Alvarez scored what may still be a precious road goal at 69 minutes for Pachuca.
The return match will take place next Wednesday in Pachuca, Mexico. The winner will represent CONCACAF in this December's FIFA Club World Cup which will take place in the United Arab Emirates.
Cruz Azul took the opening match of the two-game CONCACAF Champions League final, 2-1 at home over fellow Mexican club Pachuca. Emanuel Villa (19') and the visitors' Carlos Rodriguez (OG-23') scored in the first half for Azul, but Damian Alvarez scored what may still be a precious road goal at 69 minutes for Pachuca.
The return match will take place next Wednesday in Pachuca, Mexico. The winner will represent CONCACAF in this December's FIFA Club World Cup which will take place in the United Arab Emirates.
Scotland: After One-Year Absence, Caley Back In Premiership
At Kirkcaldy, Scotland:
Doughie Hall scored the only goal of the match at 54 seconds as Raith Rovers FC knocked off visiting Dundee 1-0, thus hand the Scottish First Division title on Wednesday to Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who return to the Scottish Premier League after a one-year absence.
Doughie Hall scored the only goal of the match at 54 seconds as Raith Rovers FC knocked off visiting Dundee 1-0, thus hand the Scottish First Division title on Wednesday to Inverness Caledonian Thistle, who return to the Scottish Premier League after a one-year absence.
Copa Libertadores: Three Group Conclude Play
Wednesday saw the conclusion of play in three Copa Libertadores groups.
Group Two:
At Asuncion, Paraguay:
Aldo Paniaqua (9') and Guillermo Beltran (67') each tallied once as Club Nacional (Paraguay) defeated visiting Monterrey 2-0, eliminating the Mexican club from the tournament.
At Sao Paulo, Brazil:
Fernando scored the only goal of the match as Sao Paulo won the Group Two crown by defeating visiting---and fellow knockout-stage qulifiers---Once Caldas 1-0.
FINAL GROUP TWO STANDINGS:
1. Sao Paulo (GP: 6; GD: +7; PTS: 13)
2. Once Caldas (GP: 6; GD: +3; PTS: 11)
3. Monterrey (GP: 6; GD: -3; PTS: 6)
4. Club Nacional (Paraguay) (GP: 6; GD: -7; PTS: 3)
Sao Paulo and Once Caldas advanced to the knockout stage.
Group Six:
At Banfield, Argentina:
Ruben Ramirez scored twice in the second half (47', 67') as Banfield locked up a berth in the Round of 16 with a 3-1 home win over Club Deportivo Cuenca.
At Montevideo, Uruguay:
Mario Ignacio Requeiro Pintos (3') and Mauricio Pereira (77') each tallied once as Club Nacional (Uruguay) locked up the top spot in Group Six---and a knockout stage berth---with a 2-0 home win over Monarcas Morelia.
FINAL GROUP SIX STANDINGS:
1. Club Nacional (Uruguay) (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS: 12)
2. Banfield (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS; 11)
3. Monarcas Morelia (GP: 6; GD: -4; PTS; 5)
4. Deportivo Cuenca (GP: 6; GD: -6; PTS: 4)
Club Nacional (Uruguay) and Banfield advanced to the knockout stage.
Group Eight:
At Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
Ronaldo Angelim (16'), Michael (18'), and David (76') each tallied once as Flamengo defeated visiting Caracas FC 3-2.
At Santiago, Chile:
A 0-0 home stalemate with Universidad Catolica enabled Universidad de Chile to lock up the Group Eight title.
FINAL GROUP EIGHT STANDINGS:
1. Universidad de Chile (GP: 6; GD: +4; PTS: 12)
2. Flamengo (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 10)
3. Universidad Catolica (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
4. Caracas FC (GP: 6; GD: -6; PTS: 2)
Universidad de Chile advanced to the knockout stage.
Since only six of the eight runners up qualify for the knockout stage (two of the berths were awarded to the two Mexican clubs---Chivas of Guadalajara and San Luis---who withdrew from last year's knockout rounds in the wake of the Swine Flu scare) Flamengo's status as far as advancing to the Round of 16 is still in doubt, awaiting the outcome from Thursday action.
Group Two:
At Asuncion, Paraguay:
Aldo Paniaqua (9') and Guillermo Beltran (67') each tallied once as Club Nacional (Paraguay) defeated visiting Monterrey 2-0, eliminating the Mexican club from the tournament.
At Sao Paulo, Brazil:
Fernando scored the only goal of the match as Sao Paulo won the Group Two crown by defeating visiting---and fellow knockout-stage qulifiers---Once Caldas 1-0.
FINAL GROUP TWO STANDINGS:
1. Sao Paulo (GP: 6; GD: +7; PTS: 13)
2. Once Caldas (GP: 6; GD: +3; PTS: 11)
3. Monterrey (GP: 6; GD: -3; PTS: 6)
4. Club Nacional (Paraguay) (GP: 6; GD: -7; PTS: 3)
Sao Paulo and Once Caldas advanced to the knockout stage.
Group Six:
At Banfield, Argentina:
Ruben Ramirez scored twice in the second half (47', 67') as Banfield locked up a berth in the Round of 16 with a 3-1 home win over Club Deportivo Cuenca.
At Montevideo, Uruguay:
Mario Ignacio Requeiro Pintos (3') and Mauricio Pereira (77') each tallied once as Club Nacional (Uruguay) locked up the top spot in Group Six---and a knockout stage berth---with a 2-0 home win over Monarcas Morelia.
FINAL GROUP SIX STANDINGS:
1. Club Nacional (Uruguay) (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS: 12)
2. Banfield (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS; 11)
3. Monarcas Morelia (GP: 6; GD: -4; PTS; 5)
4. Deportivo Cuenca (GP: 6; GD: -6; PTS: 4)
Club Nacional (Uruguay) and Banfield advanced to the knockout stage.
Group Eight:
At Rio de Janeiro, Brazil:
Ronaldo Angelim (16'), Michael (18'), and David (76') each tallied once as Flamengo defeated visiting Caracas FC 3-2.
At Santiago, Chile:
A 0-0 home stalemate with Universidad Catolica enabled Universidad de Chile to lock up the Group Eight title.
FINAL GROUP EIGHT STANDINGS:
1. Universidad de Chile (GP: 6; GD: +4; PTS: 12)
2. Flamengo (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 10)
3. Universidad Catolica (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
4. Caracas FC (GP: 6; GD: -6; PTS: 2)
Universidad de Chile advanced to the knockout stage.
Since only six of the eight runners up qualify for the knockout stage (two of the berths were awarded to the two Mexican clubs---Chivas of Guadalajara and San Luis---who withdrew from last year's knockout rounds in the wake of the Swine Flu scare) Flamengo's status as far as advancing to the Round of 16 is still in doubt, awaiting the outcome from Thursday action.
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