At Edmonton, Alberta:
Hanson Boakai and Daryl Fordyce each scored a goal on Wednesday as FC Edmonton defeated the visiting Ottawa Fury 3-1 in game two of their Amway Canadian Championship preliminary-round series and took out their fellow North American Soccer League club 3-1 on aggregate. The Wednesday, the Eddies will open their two-match semifinal series with the Montreal Impact from Major League Soccer at home.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Copa Libertadores
Three games were played on Wednesday in the Copa Libertadores' Round of 16.
At Porto Alegre, Brazil:
Dudu scored the only goal of regulation in the 83rd minute as Gremio blanked visiting San Lorenzo 1-0 in game two and squared their two-match series at 1-1 on aggregate, forcing a penalty-kick shootout (no overtime was used). Nestor Ortigoza, Mauro Matos, Nicolas Blandi, and Julio Buffarini all converted their spot kicks as the Argentinian club won the shootout 4-2 and advanced to the quarterfinal round.
At Asuncion, Paraguay:
Dede (79') and Dagoberto (90'+3) provided the scoring as Cruzeiro defeated Cerro Porteno 2-0 on the road in game two and won their series 3-1 on aggregate.
At Independencia, Chile:
Diego Braghieri scored the only goal of both the match and the series in the 66th minute as Arsenal de Sarandi blanked Union Espanola 1-0 on the road in game two and ousted the Chilean club 1-0 on aggregate.
At Porto Alegre, Brazil:
Dudu scored the only goal of regulation in the 83rd minute as Gremio blanked visiting San Lorenzo 1-0 in game two and squared their two-match series at 1-1 on aggregate, forcing a penalty-kick shootout (no overtime was used). Nestor Ortigoza, Mauro Matos, Nicolas Blandi, and Julio Buffarini all converted their spot kicks as the Argentinian club won the shootout 4-2 and advanced to the quarterfinal round.
At Asuncion, Paraguay:
Dede (79') and Dagoberto (90'+3) provided the scoring as Cruzeiro defeated Cerro Porteno 2-0 on the road in game two and won their series 3-1 on aggregate.
At Independencia, Chile:
Diego Braghieri scored the only goal of both the match and the series in the 66th minute as Arsenal de Sarandi blanked Union Espanola 1-0 on the road in game two and ousted the Chilean club 1-0 on aggregate.
UEFA Champions League: Matress Makers Knock Out Jose's Blues; Set Up All-Madird Final In Lisbon
At London:
Adrian (44'), Diego Costa (PK-60', that's him celebrating with Koke after scoring), and Arda Turan (72') each produced a goal on Wednesday as Atletico Madrid dominated Chelsea 3-1 on the road in the second game of their two-game UEFA Champions League semifinal series, which the Mattress Makers won 3-1 on aggregate.
This sets up an all-Spanish, in fact, all-Madrid final set to be played at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday, May 24 as nine-time champions Real Madrid (most recent title in 2002) will take on Atletico, who will be playing in second maiden Champions League final, having lost the 1974 title game to Bayern Munich at Brussels 4-0 in a replay, two days after the original contest ended as a 1-1 draw after overtime.
Photo from ESPN FC website
Adrian (44'), Diego Costa (PK-60', that's him celebrating with Koke after scoring), and Arda Turan (72') each produced a goal on Wednesday as Atletico Madrid dominated Chelsea 3-1 on the road in the second game of their two-game UEFA Champions League semifinal series, which the Mattress Makers won 3-1 on aggregate.
This sets up an all-Spanish, in fact, all-Madrid final set to be played at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal on Saturday, May 24 as nine-time champions Real Madrid (most recent title in 2002) will take on Atletico, who will be playing in second maiden Champions League final, having lost the 1974 title game to Bayern Munich at Brussels 4-0 in a replay, two days after the original contest ended as a 1-1 draw after overtime.
Photo from ESPN FC website
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Copa Libertadores
Round-of-16 play in the Copa Libertadores resumed on Tuesday with two games.
At Buenos Aires:
Silvio Torales (PK-78') and Derlis Orue (90'+3) each delivered a goal as Club Nacional from Paraguay gained a 2-2 game-two road draw with Velez Sarsfield and won their series 3-2 on aggregate.
At Montevideo, Uruguay:
After Giorgian De Arrascaeta (59') and Nicolas Olivera (64') each delivered a goal in the second half of regulation time, Defensor Sporting blanked visiting The Strongest 2-0 in game two, and with the series deadlocked at 2-2 on aggregate, forced the penalty kick shootout (no overtime was used). Matias Alonso, Matias Malvino, Adrian Luna, and the aforementioned Nicolas Olivera converted their spot kicks and the Uruguayan club won the shootout 4-2 to advance to the quarterfinal round.
At Buenos Aires:
Silvio Torales (PK-78') and Derlis Orue (90'+3) each delivered a goal as Club Nacional from Paraguay gained a 2-2 game-two road draw with Velez Sarsfield and won their series 3-2 on aggregate.
At Montevideo, Uruguay:
After Giorgian De Arrascaeta (59') and Nicolas Olivera (64') each delivered a goal in the second half of regulation time, Defensor Sporting blanked visiting The Strongest 2-0 in game two, and with the series deadlocked at 2-2 on aggregate, forced the penalty kick shootout (no overtime was used). Matias Alonso, Matias Malvino, Adrian Luna, and the aforementioned Nicolas Olivera converted their spot kicks and the Uruguayan club won the shootout 4-2 to advance to the quarterfinal round.
UEFA Champions League: Galacticos Oust Defending Champs, Book Ticket For Final
At Munich, Germany:
Sergio Ramos (16', 20') and Cristiano Ronaldo (34', 89'; both are shown here celebrating) each scored twice as Real Madrid demolished defending champions Bayern Munich 4-0 on the road in game two of their UEFA Champions League semifinal series, which the Galacticos won 5-0 on aggregate and advanced to the May 24 final at Lisbon, Portugal (their first final since winning their ninth continental title in 2002) against the winner of the Chelsea-Atletico Madrid series (currently deadlocked at 0-0 on aggregate).
Photo from ESPN FC website
Sergio Ramos (16', 20') and Cristiano Ronaldo (34', 89'; both are shown here celebrating) each scored twice as Real Madrid demolished defending champions Bayern Munich 4-0 on the road in game two of their UEFA Champions League semifinal series, which the Galacticos won 5-0 on aggregate and advanced to the May 24 final at Lisbon, Portugal (their first final since winning their ninth continental title in 2002) against the winner of the Chelsea-Atletico Madrid series (currently deadlocked at 0-0 on aggregate).
Photo from ESPN FC website
Sunday, April 27, 2014
MLS: Timbers Battle Dynamo To 1-1 Road Draw, Stay Winless
At Houston:
In the lone Sunday Major League Soccer contest, Gaston Fernandez equalized in the 33rd minute as the Portland Timbers, still winless on the season, managed to pick up their first road point of the campaign with a 1-1 draw with the Houston Dynamo. Will Bruin scored in the 16th minute for the hosts.
MLS STANDINGS:
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
1. Columbus (GP: 7; GD: +3; PTS: 12)
2. Kansas City (GP: 7; GD: +3; PTS: 11)
3. DC United (GP: 7; GD: +2; PTS: 11)
4. New England (GP: 8; GD: -2; PTS: 11)
5. New York (GP: 9; GD: +1; PTS: 11)
6. Toronto FC (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 9)
7. Houston (GP: 8; GD: -5; PTS: 8)
8. Philadelphia (GP: 9; GD: -2; PTS: 8)
9. Montreal (GP: 8; GD: -7; PTS: 6)
10. Chicago (GP: 7; GD: -1; PTS: 6)
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
1. Seattle (GP: 8; GD: +6; PTS: 16)
2. FC Dallas (GP: 8; GD: +4; PTS: 16)
3. Real Salt Lake (GP: 8; GD: +5; PTS: 14)
4. Colorado (GP: 7; GD: 0; PTS: 11)
5. Vancouver (GP: 8; GD: +2; PTS: 10)
6. Los Angeles (GP: 5; GD: +3; PTS: 8)
7. San Jose (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 6)
8. Chivas USA (GP: 8; GD: -6; PTS: 6)
9. Portland (GP: 8; GD: -4; PTS: 5)
In the lone Sunday Major League Soccer contest, Gaston Fernandez equalized in the 33rd minute as the Portland Timbers, still winless on the season, managed to pick up their first road point of the campaign with a 1-1 draw with the Houston Dynamo. Will Bruin scored in the 16th minute for the hosts.
MLS STANDINGS:
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
1. Columbus (GP: 7; GD: +3; PTS: 12)
2. Kansas City (GP: 7; GD: +3; PTS: 11)
3. DC United (GP: 7; GD: +2; PTS: 11)
4. New England (GP: 8; GD: -2; PTS: 11)
5. New York (GP: 9; GD: +1; PTS: 11)
6. Toronto FC (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 9)
7. Houston (GP: 8; GD: -5; PTS: 8)
8. Philadelphia (GP: 9; GD: -2; PTS: 8)
9. Montreal (GP: 8; GD: -7; PTS: 6)
10. Chicago (GP: 7; GD: -1; PTS: 6)
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
1. Seattle (GP: 8; GD: +6; PTS: 16)
2. FC Dallas (GP: 8; GD: +4; PTS: 16)
3. Real Salt Lake (GP: 8; GD: +5; PTS: 14)
4. Colorado (GP: 7; GD: 0; PTS: 11)
5. Vancouver (GP: 8; GD: +2; PTS: 10)
6. Los Angeles (GP: 5; GD: +3; PTS: 8)
7. San Jose (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 6)
8. Chivas USA (GP: 8; GD: -6; PTS: 6)
9. Portland (GP: 8; GD: -4; PTS: 5)
OFC Champions League: Amicale Take Semifinal Series Opener On Road In Fiji
At Ba, Fiji:
Dominique Fred (59') and Kensi Tangis (60') each scored a second-half goal a minute apart on Sunday as Amicale FC shocked Ba FC 2-1 on the road in the opening match of a two-game OFC Champions League semifinal series.
Dominique Fred (59') and Kensi Tangis (60') each scored a second-half goal a minute apart on Sunday as Amicale FC shocked Ba FC 2-1 on the road in the opening match of a two-game OFC Champions League semifinal series.
Saturday, April 26, 2014
MLS: Impact, Quakes Finally Get W's; DCU, Revs Win, Too; Three Draws On Saturday
Seven games were contested in Major League Soccer on Saturday.
At Montreal:
Felipe Martins Campanholi scored the only goal of the match in the 14th minute as the Montreal Impact racked up their first victory of the season, 1-0 over the visiting Philadelphia Union.
At Seattle:
Clint Dempsey delivered a second-half double (47', 52') as the Seattle Sounders dominated the visiting Colorado Rapids 4-1.
At Washington:
Fabian Espindola scored twice (45'+5, 69') as DC United dominated visiting nine-man FC Dallas 4-1.
At Columbus, Ohio:
Bradley Wright-Phillips' equalizer in the 66th minute lifted the New York Red Bulls to a 1-1 road draw with the Columbus Crew, whose tally came in the 39th minute via Jairo Obando Arrieta's successful penalty kick.
At Foxborough, Massachusetts:
Stoppage-time goals from Teal Bunbury (90'+2) and Lee Nguyen (PK-90'+5) enabled the New England Revolution to knock off visiting Sporting Kansas City 2-0.
At Sandy, Utah:
Goals from Nicolas Nezquida (86') and Sebastian Fernandez (90'+4) enabled the Vancouver Whitecaps to erase a two-goal deficit on the road and gain a 2-2 draw with Real Salt Lake. Joao Plata (2') and Alvaro Saborio (9') provided the scoring in the first ten minutes for the hosts.
At Santa Clara, California:
Yannick Djalo scored the only goal of the match in the 66th minute as the previously-winless San Jose Earthquakes defeated visiting Chivas USA 1-0 for their first victory of the league season.
At Montreal:
Felipe Martins Campanholi scored the only goal of the match in the 14th minute as the Montreal Impact racked up their first victory of the season, 1-0 over the visiting Philadelphia Union.
At Seattle:
Clint Dempsey delivered a second-half double (47', 52') as the Seattle Sounders dominated the visiting Colorado Rapids 4-1.
At Washington:
Fabian Espindola scored twice (45'+5, 69') as DC United dominated visiting nine-man FC Dallas 4-1.
At Columbus, Ohio:
Bradley Wright-Phillips' equalizer in the 66th minute lifted the New York Red Bulls to a 1-1 road draw with the Columbus Crew, whose tally came in the 39th minute via Jairo Obando Arrieta's successful penalty kick.
At Foxborough, Massachusetts:
Stoppage-time goals from Teal Bunbury (90'+2) and Lee Nguyen (PK-90'+5) enabled the New England Revolution to knock off visiting Sporting Kansas City 2-0.
At Sandy, Utah:
Goals from Nicolas Nezquida (86') and Sebastian Fernandez (90'+4) enabled the Vancouver Whitecaps to erase a two-goal deficit on the road and gain a 2-2 draw with Real Salt Lake. Joao Plata (2') and Alvaro Saborio (9') provided the scoring in the first ten minutes for the hosts.
At Santa Clara, California:
Yannick Djalo scored the only goal of the match in the 66th minute as the previously-winless San Jose Earthquakes defeated visiting Chivas USA 1-0 for their first victory of the league season.
OFC Champions League: Dominating Semifinal-Series-Opening Home Win For Auckland City
At Auckland, New Zealand:
Emiliano Tade scored twice (36', 90'+3) as Auckland City dominated visiting AS Pirae 3-0 in the opening game of their two-match series as the semifinal round of the OFC Champions League commenced.
Emiliano Tade scored twice (36', 90'+3) as Auckland City dominated visiting AS Pirae 3-0 in the opening game of their two-match series as the semifinal round of the OFC Champions League commenced.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Copa Libertadores: Series-Opening Goose Eggs For Arsenal (NOT The One) And Union Espanola
At Buenos Aries:
In the lone Thursday Copa Libertadores Round-of-16 contest, home-standing Arsenal de Sarandi was held to a 0-0 game-one home stalemate by Chile's Union Espanola.
In the lone Thursday Copa Libertadores Round-of-16 contest, home-standing Arsenal de Sarandi was held to a 0-0 game-one home stalemate by Chile's Union Espanola.
Europa League Semifinals: Benfica, Sevilla Take Series Openers
The semifinal round of the Europa League got under way on Thursday with the opening game of each of the two two-game series.
At Lisbon, Portugal:
Rodrigo Jose Lima dos Santos delivered the winning goal in the 84th minute as SL Benfica took the opening game of their series with Juventus 2-1 at home. Ezequiel Garay opened the scoring for the Eagles in the second minute. The well-traveled Carlos Tevez kept the visiting Old Lady alive in the series with his score in the 73rd minute.
At Seville, Spain:
In the opening match of a two-game all-Spanish semfinal series, Stephane M'Bia (33') and Carlos Bacca (36') delivered the goals as Sevilla blanked visiting Valencia 2-0.
At Lisbon, Portugal:
Rodrigo Jose Lima dos Santos delivered the winning goal in the 84th minute as SL Benfica took the opening game of their series with Juventus 2-1 at home. Ezequiel Garay opened the scoring for the Eagles in the second minute. The well-traveled Carlos Tevez kept the visiting Old Lady alive in the series with his score in the 73rd minute.
At Seville, Spain:
In the opening match of a two-game all-Spanish semfinal series, Stephane M'Bia (33') and Carlos Bacca (36') delivered the goals as Sevilla blanked visiting Valencia 2-0.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Copa Libertadores: Lanus Advance To Quarterfinals; Atletico Mineiro, San Lorenzo, Paraguay's Club Nacional Grab Series Openers
The Round of 16 in the Copa Libertadores continued on Wednesday with four games.
At Asuncion, Paraguay:
Julian Benitez scored the only goal of the match in the 86th minute as Club Nacional pulled out a late 1-0 game-one home win over Velez Sarsfield.
At Buenos Aires:
Angel Correa scored the only goal of the match in the 51st minute as San Lorenzo took the opening match of their two-game series with Gremio 1-0 at home.
At Torreon, Mexico:
Ismael Blanco (28') and Paolo Goltz (PK-50') produced the goals as Lanus defeated Santos Laguna 2-0 on the road in game two and ousted the Mexican club 4-1 on aggregate.
At Medellin, Colombia:
Sherman Cardenas scored the only goal of the match in second-half stoppage time (90'+1) as Atletico Nacional defeated visiting Atletico Mineiro 1-0 in the opening contest of their two-game series.
At Asuncion, Paraguay:
Julian Benitez scored the only goal of the match in the 86th minute as Club Nacional pulled out a late 1-0 game-one home win over Velez Sarsfield.
At Buenos Aires:
Angel Correa scored the only goal of the match in the 51st minute as San Lorenzo took the opening match of their two-game series with Gremio 1-0 at home.
At Torreon, Mexico:
Ismael Blanco (28') and Paolo Goltz (PK-50') produced the goals as Lanus defeated Santos Laguna 2-0 on the road in game two and ousted the Mexican club 4-1 on aggregate.
At Medellin, Colombia:
Sherman Cardenas scored the only goal of the match in second-half stoppage time (90'+1) as Atletico Nacional defeated visiting Atletico Mineiro 1-0 in the opening contest of their two-game series.
Amway Canadian Championship: Goose Eggs In Ottawa
At Ottawa:
In a battle of North American Soccer League clubs, FC Edmonton held the hosts Ottawa Fury to a 0-0 game-one stalemate as the qualifying round of the Amway Canadian Championship commenced. The two clubs will play game two at Edmonton, Albert next Wednesday with the winner of this series advancing to take on the Montreal Impact from Major League Soccer in the semifinal round. The winner of this tournament would qualify for a berth in the group stage of the 2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League.
In a battle of North American Soccer League clubs, FC Edmonton held the hosts Ottawa Fury to a 0-0 game-one stalemate as the qualifying round of the Amway Canadian Championship commenced. The two clubs will play game two at Edmonton, Albert next Wednesday with the winner of this series advancing to take on the Montreal Impact from Major League Soccer in the semifinal round. The winner of this tournament would qualify for a berth in the group stage of the 2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League.
MLS: Red Bulls Maul Dynamo
At Harrison, New Jersey:
In the lone Wednesday Major League Soccer contest, Bradley Wright-Phillips delivered a hat trick (12', 24', PK-86') as the New York Red Bulls stampeded all over the visiting Houston Dynamo 4-0.
In the lone Wednesday Major League Soccer contest, Bradley Wright-Phillips delivered a hat trick (12', 24', PK-86') as the New York Red Bulls stampeded all over the visiting Houston Dynamo 4-0.
CRUZ AZUL DEFEAT TOLUCA TO WIN 6TH CONCACAF TOURNAMENT TITLE
At Toluca, Mexico:
Mariano Pavone scored in the 41st minute on Wednesday as Cruz Azul gained a 1-1 game-two road draw in the CONCACAF Champions League final against fellow Mexican club Toluca and, with the series at 1-1 on aggregate, won their first CONCACAF club championship since 1997 and their sixth overall.
The Mexico City-based club will play in December's FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco.
Mariano Pavone scored in the 41st minute on Wednesday as Cruz Azul gained a 1-1 game-two road draw in the CONCACAF Champions League final against fellow Mexican club Toluca and, with the series at 1-1 on aggregate, won their first CONCACAF club championship since 1997 and their sixth overall.
The Mexico City-based club will play in December's FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco.
UEFA Champions League: Karim Carries Galacticos To 1-0 Series Opening Home Win Over Bayern
At Madrid:
Karim Benzima (that's him celebrating here) scored the only goal of the match in the 19th minute on Wednesday as Real Madrid took the opening contest of their two-game UEFA Champions League semifinal series with defending champs Bayern Munich 1-0 at home.
Getty Images photo
Karim Benzima (that's him celebrating here) scored the only goal of the match in the 19th minute on Wednesday as Real Madrid took the opening contest of their two-game UEFA Champions League semifinal series with defending champs Bayern Munich 1-0 at home.
Getty Images photo
AFC Champions League: Group-Stage Play Concludes
Group-stage play in the AFC Champions League concluded on Wednesday with eight games.
Group A:
At Tehran, Iran:
Boubacar Kebe scored twice (54', 73') as Esteghlal defeated visiting Al-Rayyan 3-1.
At Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:
Abdul-Majid Al-Ruwaili scored twice (35', 89') as Al-Shabab defeated Al-Jazira 2-1 on the road and claimed top spot in Group A as both clubs are heading for the knockout stage.
FINAL GROUP A STANDINGS:
1. Al-Shabab (GP: 6; GD: +4; PTS: 15)
2. Al-Jazira (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 10)
3. Esteghlal FC (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
4. Al-Rayyan (GP: 6; GD: -6; PTS: 3)
Al-Shabab and Al-Jazira advanced to the knockout stage.
Group B:
At Ah-Hasa, Saudi Arabia:
Luciano Chimba Pereira Mendes delivered a natural first-half hat trick (10', PK-36', PK-44') while Gholamreza Rezaei added a second-half double (78', PK-90'+4) as Foolad, who already locked up top spot in Group B, demolished Al-Fateh 5-1 on the road.
At Doha, Qatar:
Sardor Rashidov scored the winning goal deep into second-half stoppage time (90'+4) as Bunyodkor knocked off El Jaish 2-1 on the road and, due to superior total goal scoring (7-6), snatched a knockout-stage berth away from the Qatari club. The two clubs had been level on points, head-to-head competition, and goal differential.
FINAL GROUP B STANDINGS:
1. Foolad FC (GP: 6; GD: +8; PTS: 14)
2. Bunyodkor PFK (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 8)
3. El Jaish (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 8)
4. Al-Fateh (GP: 6; GD: -8; PTS: 2)
Foolad FC and Bunyodkor PFK (who had superior overall goal scoroing 7-6 vis-a-viv El Jaish) advanced to the knockout stage.
Group E:
At Pohang, South Korea:
Pohang Steelers, already bound for the knockout stage, settled for a 0-0 home deadlock with Buriram United.
At Jinan, China:
Second-half goals from Yoichiro Kakitani (46') and Diego Forlan (48') carried Cerezo Osaka to a 2-1 come-from-behind road win over Shandong Luneng Taishan and a berth in the knockout stage.
FINAL GROUP E STANDINGS:
1. Pohang Steelers (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS: 12)
2. Cerezo Osaka (GP: 6; GD: +1; PTS: 8)
3. Buriram United (GP: 6; GD: -4; PTS: 6)
4. Shandong Luneng Taishan FC (GP: 6 GD: -2; PTS: 5)
Pohang Steelers and Cerezo Osaka advanced to the knockout stage.
Group F:
At Hiroshima, Japan:
Satoru Yamagishi scored the only goal of the match in the 72nd minute as Sanfrecce Hiroshima locked up a berth in the knockout stage by defeating the visiting Central Coast Mariners 1-0.
At Seoul, South Korea:
Kang Seung-jo (43') and Yun Ju-tae (57') provided the scoring as FC Seoul locked up top spot in Group F with their 2-1 home win over Beijing Guoan.
FINAL GROUP F STANDINGS:
1. FC Seoul (GP: 6; GD: +3; PTS: 11)
2. Sanfrecce Hiroshima (GP: 6; GD: +1; PTS: 9)
3. Beijing Guoan FC (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 6)
4. Central Coast Mariners (GP: 6; GD: -3; PTS: 6)
FC Seoul and Sanfrecce Hiroshima advanced to the knockout stage.
Group A:
At Tehran, Iran:
Boubacar Kebe scored twice (54', 73') as Esteghlal defeated visiting Al-Rayyan 3-1.
At Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:
Abdul-Majid Al-Ruwaili scored twice (35', 89') as Al-Shabab defeated Al-Jazira 2-1 on the road and claimed top spot in Group A as both clubs are heading for the knockout stage.
FINAL GROUP A STANDINGS:
1. Al-Shabab (GP: 6; GD: +4; PTS: 15)
2. Al-Jazira (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 10)
3. Esteghlal FC (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
4. Al-Rayyan (GP: 6; GD: -6; PTS: 3)
Al-Shabab and Al-Jazira advanced to the knockout stage.
Group B:
At Ah-Hasa, Saudi Arabia:
Luciano Chimba Pereira Mendes delivered a natural first-half hat trick (10', PK-36', PK-44') while Gholamreza Rezaei added a second-half double (78', PK-90'+4) as Foolad, who already locked up top spot in Group B, demolished Al-Fateh 5-1 on the road.
At Doha, Qatar:
Sardor Rashidov scored the winning goal deep into second-half stoppage time (90'+4) as Bunyodkor knocked off El Jaish 2-1 on the road and, due to superior total goal scoring (7-6), snatched a knockout-stage berth away from the Qatari club. The two clubs had been level on points, head-to-head competition, and goal differential.
FINAL GROUP B STANDINGS:
1. Foolad FC (GP: 6; GD: +8; PTS: 14)
2. Bunyodkor PFK (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 8)
3. El Jaish (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 8)
4. Al-Fateh (GP: 6; GD: -8; PTS: 2)
Foolad FC and Bunyodkor PFK (who had superior overall goal scoroing 7-6 vis-a-viv El Jaish) advanced to the knockout stage.
Group E:
At Pohang, South Korea:
Pohang Steelers, already bound for the knockout stage, settled for a 0-0 home deadlock with Buriram United.
At Jinan, China:
Second-half goals from Yoichiro Kakitani (46') and Diego Forlan (48') carried Cerezo Osaka to a 2-1 come-from-behind road win over Shandong Luneng Taishan and a berth in the knockout stage.
FINAL GROUP E STANDINGS:
1. Pohang Steelers (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS: 12)
2. Cerezo Osaka (GP: 6; GD: +1; PTS: 8)
3. Buriram United (GP: 6; GD: -4; PTS: 6)
4. Shandong Luneng Taishan FC (GP: 6 GD: -2; PTS: 5)
Pohang Steelers and Cerezo Osaka advanced to the knockout stage.
Group F:
At Hiroshima, Japan:
Satoru Yamagishi scored the only goal of the match in the 72nd minute as Sanfrecce Hiroshima locked up a berth in the knockout stage by defeating the visiting Central Coast Mariners 1-0.
At Seoul, South Korea:
Kang Seung-jo (43') and Yun Ju-tae (57') provided the scoring as FC Seoul locked up top spot in Group F with their 2-1 home win over Beijing Guoan.
FINAL GROUP F STANDINGS:
1. FC Seoul (GP: 6; GD: +3; PTS: 11)
2. Sanfrecce Hiroshima (GP: 6; GD: +1; PTS: 9)
3. Beijing Guoan FC (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 6)
4. Central Coast Mariners (GP: 6; GD: -3; PTS: 6)
FC Seoul and Sanfrecce Hiroshima advanced to the knockout stage.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Copa Libertadores: Club Leon Ousted By Club Bolivar
At La Paz, Bolivia:
In the lone Tuesday Copa Libertadores knockout-stage contest, Ronald Eguino scored in the 35th minute to lift Club Bolivar to a 1-1 game-two home draw with Club Leon, and with the aggregate score at 3-3, a ticket to the quarterfinal round via the away goals rule.
In the lone Tuesday Copa Libertadores knockout-stage contest, Ronald Eguino scored in the 35th minute to lift Club Bolivar to a 1-1 game-two home draw with Club Leon, and with the aggregate score at 3-3, a ticket to the quarterfinal round via the away goals rule.
UEFA Champions League: Mattress Makers Held To Series-Opening Scoreless Stalemate By Jose's Blues
At Madrid:
In the opening game of their UEFA Champions League semifinal-round series played on Tuesday, Chelsea held home-standing Atletico Madrid to a 0-0 stalemate. Check out the image below.
Photo from ESPN FC website.
In the opening game of their UEFA Champions League semifinal-round series played on Tuesday, Chelsea held home-standing Atletico Madrid to a 0-0 stalemate. Check out the image below.
Photo from ESPN FC website.
AFC Champions League
Eight games were played on Tuesday as the final week of AFC Champions League group-stage action commenced.
Group C:
At Al Ain, United Arab Emirates:
In a battle of the group's top two teams, Abdurahman Al-Ghamdi's successful penalty kick in the 36th minute carried Al-Ittihad to a 1-1 road draw with Al-Ain. Mansour Sharahili's own goal in the 22nd minute provided the scoring for the hosts who finished atop the Group C standings. Both clubs are heading for the knockout stage.
At Tabriz, Iran:
Madjid Bougherra successful converted his penalty kick in the 73rd minute as Lekhwiya defeated Tractor Sazi 1-0 on the road in the tournament finale for both clubs.
FINAL GROUP C STANDINGS:
1. Al-Ain (GP: 6; GD: +7; PTS: 11)
2. Al-Ittihad (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 10)
3. Lekhwiya (GP: 6; GD: -5; PTS: 7)
4. Tractor Sazi FC (GP: 6; GD: -4; PTS: 5)
Al-Ain and Al-Ittihad advanced to the knockout stage.
Group D:
At Doha, Qatar:
Rodrigo Barbosa Tabata scored the winning goal in the 79th minute as Al-Sadd locked up a berth in the knockout stage following their 2-1 home win over Al-Ahli, knocking the visiting club from the Emirates from the tournament.
At Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:
Nassir Al Shamrani scored the only goal of the match in first-half stoppage time (45'+1) as Al-Hilal locked up a berth in the knockout stage by knocking out visiting visiting Sepahan 1-0.
FINAL GROUP D STANDINGS:
1. Al-Hilal (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS: 9)
2. Al-Sadd (GP: 6; GD: -6; PTS: 8)
3. Al-Ahli (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
4. Sepahan Isfahan FC (GP: 6; GD: +1; PTS: 7)
Al-Hilal and Al-Sadd advanced to the knockout stage.
Group G:
At Guangzhou, China:
Elkeson scored twice in the first half (11', 38') as Guangzhou Evergrande won the Group G title and a berth in the knockout stage by defeating Yokohama F. Marinos 2-1, eliminating the Japanese club from the tournament.
At Jeonju, South Korea:
Despite being held to a 0-0 home stalemate by the Melbourne Victory, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, due to superior goal differential, advanced to the knockout stage.
FINAL GROUP G STANDINGS:
1. Guangzhou Evergrande FC (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 10)
2. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (GP: 6; GD: +1; PTS: 8)
3. Melbourne Victory (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 8)
4. Yokohama F. Marinos (GP: 6; GD: -3; PTS: 7)
Guangzhou Evergrande (who are the defending continental club champions) and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (due to superior goal differential vis-a-viv the Melbourne Victory) advanced to the knockout stage.
Group H:
At Sydney, Australia:
Five different goal scorers-----Shannon Cole (7'), Labinot Haliti (75'), Aaron Mooy (PK-81'), Shinji Ono (85'), and Nikolai Topor-Stanley (88')-----each scored a goal, with four of the tallies coming during a 13-minute stretch in the second half as the Western Sydney Wanderers demolished visiting Guizhou Renhe 5-0 and locked up the Group H title and a knockout-stage berth.
At Kawasaki, Japan:
Yu Kobayashi (31'), Yoshito Okubo (34'), and Jeci (77') each produced a goal as Kawasaki Frontale punched their ticket for the Round of 16 following their 3-1 home win over Ulsan Hyundai.
FINAL GROUP H STANDINGS:
1. Western Sydney Wanderers (GP: 6; GD: +6; PTS: 12)
2. Kawasaki Frontale (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 12)
3. Ulsan Hyundai FC (GP: 6; GD: -2; PTS: 7)
4. Guizhou Renhe FC (GP: 6; GD: -6; PTS: 4)
The Western Sydney Wanderers and Kawasaki Frontale advanced to the knockout stage. The Australian club won the group due to superior overall goal differential.
Group C:
At Al Ain, United Arab Emirates:
In a battle of the group's top two teams, Abdurahman Al-Ghamdi's successful penalty kick in the 36th minute carried Al-Ittihad to a 1-1 road draw with Al-Ain. Mansour Sharahili's own goal in the 22nd minute provided the scoring for the hosts who finished atop the Group C standings. Both clubs are heading for the knockout stage.
At Tabriz, Iran:
Madjid Bougherra successful converted his penalty kick in the 73rd minute as Lekhwiya defeated Tractor Sazi 1-0 on the road in the tournament finale for both clubs.
FINAL GROUP C STANDINGS:
1. Al-Ain (GP: 6; GD: +7; PTS: 11)
2. Al-Ittihad (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 10)
3. Lekhwiya (GP: 6; GD: -5; PTS: 7)
4. Tractor Sazi FC (GP: 6; GD: -4; PTS: 5)
Al-Ain and Al-Ittihad advanced to the knockout stage.
Group D:
At Doha, Qatar:
Rodrigo Barbosa Tabata scored the winning goal in the 79th minute as Al-Sadd locked up a berth in the knockout stage following their 2-1 home win over Al-Ahli, knocking the visiting club from the Emirates from the tournament.
At Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:
Nassir Al Shamrani scored the only goal of the match in first-half stoppage time (45'+1) as Al-Hilal locked up a berth in the knockout stage by knocking out visiting visiting Sepahan 1-0.
FINAL GROUP D STANDINGS:
1. Al-Hilal (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS: 9)
2. Al-Sadd (GP: 6; GD: -6; PTS: 8)
3. Al-Ahli (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
4. Sepahan Isfahan FC (GP: 6; GD: +1; PTS: 7)
Al-Hilal and Al-Sadd advanced to the knockout stage.
Group G:
At Guangzhou, China:
Elkeson scored twice in the first half (11', 38') as Guangzhou Evergrande won the Group G title and a berth in the knockout stage by defeating Yokohama F. Marinos 2-1, eliminating the Japanese club from the tournament.
At Jeonju, South Korea:
Despite being held to a 0-0 home stalemate by the Melbourne Victory, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, due to superior goal differential, advanced to the knockout stage.
FINAL GROUP G STANDINGS:
1. Guangzhou Evergrande FC (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 10)
2. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (GP: 6; GD: +1; PTS: 8)
3. Melbourne Victory (GP: 6; GD: 0; PTS: 8)
4. Yokohama F. Marinos (GP: 6; GD: -3; PTS: 7)
Guangzhou Evergrande (who are the defending continental club champions) and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (due to superior goal differential vis-a-viv the Melbourne Victory) advanced to the knockout stage.
Group H:
At Sydney, Australia:
Five different goal scorers-----Shannon Cole (7'), Labinot Haliti (75'), Aaron Mooy (PK-81'), Shinji Ono (85'), and Nikolai Topor-Stanley (88')-----each scored a goal, with four of the tallies coming during a 13-minute stretch in the second half as the Western Sydney Wanderers demolished visiting Guizhou Renhe 5-0 and locked up the Group H title and a knockout-stage berth.
At Kawasaki, Japan:
Yu Kobayashi (31'), Yoshito Okubo (34'), and Jeci (77') each produced a goal as Kawasaki Frontale punched their ticket for the Round of 16 following their 3-1 home win over Ulsan Hyundai.
FINAL GROUP H STANDINGS:
1. Western Sydney Wanderers (GP: 6; GD: +6; PTS: 12)
2. Kawasaki Frontale (GP: 6; GD: +2; PTS: 12)
3. Ulsan Hyundai FC (GP: 6; GD: -2; PTS: 7)
4. Guizhou Renhe FC (GP: 6; GD: -6; PTS: 4)
The Western Sydney Wanderers and Kawasaki Frontale advanced to the knockout stage. The Australian club won the group due to superior overall goal differential.
Monday, April 21, 2014
PEC Zwolle Shock And Dominate Ajax To Win Dutch Cup Final
At Rotterdam, Netherlands:
Ryan Thomas (8', 12') and Gyon Fernandez (22', 34') each scored twice in the first half on Sunday as PEC Zwolle shocked and demolished Eredivisie-leading Ajax Amsterdam 5-1 in the final of the Dutch Cup for the first major piece of silverware in the club's 104-year history. PEC Zwolle will enter the playoff round for a group stage berth in next season's Europa League.
Ryan Thomas (8', 12') and Gyon Fernandez (22', 34') each scored twice in the first half on Sunday as PEC Zwolle shocked and demolished Eredivisie-leading Ajax Amsterdam 5-1 in the final of the Dutch Cup for the first major piece of silverware in the club's 104-year history. PEC Zwolle will enter the playoff round for a group stage berth in next season's Europa League.
Saturday, April 19, 2014
MLS: Five-Draw Saturday: RSL, SKC, Sounders, Hoops Grab Saturday Wins
'Twas a very busy Saturday as nine Major League Soccer games were contested.
At Chester, Pennsylvania:
The Philadelphia Union battled the visiting Houston Dynamo to a 0-0 stalemate.
At Bridgeview, Illinois:
Lee Nguyen's successful penalty kick in the 31st minute enabled the New England Revolution to gain a 1-1 road draw with the Chicago Fire. Quincy Amarikwa scored for the hosts, who have now picked up an MLS-record-tying sixth consecutive draw, in the 16th minute. The Fire had a chance to win the game in second-half stoppage time, but Revs' goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth saved Juan Luis Anangono's penalty kick to preserve the draw.
At Commerce City, Colorado:
The Colorado Rapids and visiting San Jose Earthquakes battled to a 0-0 deadlock.
At Vancouver, British Columbia:
Goals courtesy of Darren Mattocks (67') and Kekuta Manneh (86') enabled the Vancouver Whitecaps to salvage a 2-2 home draw with the Los Angeles Galaxy. Stefan Ishizaki (38') and Robbie Keane (77') delivered the scoring for the Galaxy.
At Columbus, Ohio:
Hector Jimenez late equalizer in the 90th minute lifted the Columbus Crew to a 1-1 home draw with DC United, whose goal came in the 31st minute from Fabian Espindola.
At Kansas City, Kansas:
Dom Dwyer scored twice (74', 86') as Sporting Kansas City demolished the still-winless Montreal Impact 4-0.
At Frisco, Texas:
Blas Perez scored the winning goal in the 88th minute as FC Dallas overtook visiting Toronto FC 2-1.
At Sandy, Utah:
Ned Grabavoy scored the only goal of the match in the 78th minute as Real Salt Lake, with goalkeeper Nick Rimando, who made four saves en route to collecting his 111th career shutout, blanked the visiting Portland Timbers 1-0.
At Carson, California:
Obafemi Martins scored the winning goal in the 81st minute as the Seattle Sounders came from behind to upend Chivas USA 2-1 on the road.
MLS STANDINGS:
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
1. Kansas City (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS: 11)
2. Columbus (GP: 6; GD: +3; PTS: 11)
3. Toronto FC (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 9)
4. DC United (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 8)
5. New England (GP: 7; GD: -4; PTS: 8)
6. Philadelphia (GP: 8; GD: -1; PTS: 8)
7. Houston (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 7)
8. New York (GP: 7; GD: -3; PTS: 7)
9. Chicago (GP: 7; GD: -2; PTS: 6)
10. Montreal (GP: 7; GD: -8; PTS: 3)
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
1. FC Dallas (GP: 7; GD: +7; PTS: 16)
2. Seattle (GP: 7; GD: +3; PTS: 13)
3. Real Salt Lake (GP: 7; GD: +5; PTS: 13)
4. Colorado (GP: 6; GD: +3; PTS: 11)
5. Vancouver (GP: 7; GD: +2; PTS: 9)
6. Los Angeles (GP: 5; GD: +3; PTS: 8)
7. Chivas USA (GP: 7; GD: -5; PTS: 6)
8. Portland (GP: 7; GD: -4; PTS: 4)
9. San Jose (GP: 5; GD: -2; PTS: 3)
At Chester, Pennsylvania:
The Philadelphia Union battled the visiting Houston Dynamo to a 0-0 stalemate.
At Bridgeview, Illinois:
Lee Nguyen's successful penalty kick in the 31st minute enabled the New England Revolution to gain a 1-1 road draw with the Chicago Fire. Quincy Amarikwa scored for the hosts, who have now picked up an MLS-record-tying sixth consecutive draw, in the 16th minute. The Fire had a chance to win the game in second-half stoppage time, but Revs' goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth saved Juan Luis Anangono's penalty kick to preserve the draw.
At Commerce City, Colorado:
The Colorado Rapids and visiting San Jose Earthquakes battled to a 0-0 deadlock.
At Vancouver, British Columbia:
Goals courtesy of Darren Mattocks (67') and Kekuta Manneh (86') enabled the Vancouver Whitecaps to salvage a 2-2 home draw with the Los Angeles Galaxy. Stefan Ishizaki (38') and Robbie Keane (77') delivered the scoring for the Galaxy.
At Columbus, Ohio:
Hector Jimenez late equalizer in the 90th minute lifted the Columbus Crew to a 1-1 home draw with DC United, whose goal came in the 31st minute from Fabian Espindola.
At Kansas City, Kansas:
Dom Dwyer scored twice (74', 86') as Sporting Kansas City demolished the still-winless Montreal Impact 4-0.
At Frisco, Texas:
Blas Perez scored the winning goal in the 88th minute as FC Dallas overtook visiting Toronto FC 2-1.
At Sandy, Utah:
Ned Grabavoy scored the only goal of the match in the 78th minute as Real Salt Lake, with goalkeeper Nick Rimando, who made four saves en route to collecting his 111th career shutout, blanked the visiting Portland Timbers 1-0.
At Carson, California:
Obafemi Martins scored the winning goal in the 81st minute as the Seattle Sounders came from behind to upend Chivas USA 2-1 on the road.
MLS STANDINGS:
EASTERN CONFERENCE:
1. Kansas City (GP: 6; GD: +5; PTS: 11)
2. Columbus (GP: 6; GD: +3; PTS: 11)
3. Toronto FC (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 9)
4. DC United (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 8)
5. New England (GP: 7; GD: -4; PTS: 8)
6. Philadelphia (GP: 8; GD: -1; PTS: 8)
7. Houston (GP: 6; GD: -1; PTS: 7)
8. New York (GP: 7; GD: -3; PTS: 7)
9. Chicago (GP: 7; GD: -2; PTS: 6)
10. Montreal (GP: 7; GD: -8; PTS: 3)
WESTERN CONFERENCE:
1. FC Dallas (GP: 7; GD: +7; PTS: 16)
2. Seattle (GP: 7; GD: +3; PTS: 13)
3. Real Salt Lake (GP: 7; GD: +5; PTS: 13)
4. Colorado (GP: 6; GD: +3; PTS: 11)
5. Vancouver (GP: 7; GD: +2; PTS: 9)
6. Los Angeles (GP: 5; GD: +3; PTS: 8)
7. Chivas USA (GP: 7; GD: -5; PTS: 6)
8. Portland (GP: 7; GD: -4; PTS: 4)
9. San Jose (GP: 5; GD: -2; PTS: 3)
Thursday, April 17, 2014
Copa Libertadores: The Strongest Prove To Be Too Strong For Defensor Sporting In Their Series Opener
At La Paz, Bolivia:
In the lone Thursday Copa Libertadores Round-of-16 contest, Jair Reynoso (69') and Raul Castro Penaloza (79') delivered the goals as The Strongest blanked visiting Defensor Sporting 2-0 in match one of their two-game series.
In the lone Thursday Copa Libertadores Round-of-16 contest, Jair Reynoso (69') and Raul Castro Penaloza (79') delivered the goals as The Strongest blanked visiting Defensor Sporting 2-0 in match one of their two-game series.
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Copa LIbertadores: Lanus Take Series Opener As Knockout Stage Begins; Leon Held To 2-2 Home Draw By Club Bolivar; Cerro Porteno Gain Series-Opening Road Draw, Too
Three games were played on Wednesday as the knockout stage of the Copa Libertadores commenced.
At Lanus, Argentina:
Facundo Monteseirin (65') and Matias Martinez (90'+4) provided the scoring as Lanus topped visiting Santos Laguna 2-1 in the opening contest of their two-game series. Carlos Quintero scored in the 67th minute to keep the Mexican club in the series.
At Leon, Mexico:
Juanmi Callejon (44') and Juan Carlos Arce (70') each scored a goal as Club Bolivar gained a series-opening 2-2 road draw with Club Leon. Luis Montes (20') and Mauro Boselli (85') delivered the scoring for the Mexican club.
At Belo Horizonte, Brazil:
Miguel Samudio's late equalizer (90'+3) enabled Cruzeiro to salvage a game-one 1-1 home draw with Cerro Porteno. Angel Romero scored in the 31st minute for the Paraguayan club.
At Lanus, Argentina:
Facundo Monteseirin (65') and Matias Martinez (90'+4) provided the scoring as Lanus topped visiting Santos Laguna 2-1 in the opening contest of their two-game series. Carlos Quintero scored in the 67th minute to keep the Mexican club in the series.
At Leon, Mexico:
Juanmi Callejon (44') and Juan Carlos Arce (70') each scored a goal as Club Bolivar gained a series-opening 2-2 road draw with Club Leon. Luis Montes (20') and Mauro Boselli (85') delivered the scoring for the Mexican club.
At Belo Horizonte, Brazil:
Miguel Samudio's late equalizer (90'+3) enabled Cruzeiro to salvage a game-one 1-1 home draw with Cerro Porteno. Angel Romero scored in the 31st minute for the Paraguayan club.
Now, It's Atlanta's Turn
Major League Soccer on Wednesday awarded an expansion franchise to Atlanta (a city that twice failed with NASL teams) set to start play in 2017.
MLS: Red Bulls Grab First Victory By Holding Off Visiting Philly
At Harrison, New Jersey:
Thierry Henry (57') and Lloyd Sam (67') each scored a goal in the lone Wednesday Major League Soccer contest as the New York Red Bulls picked up their first win of the season, holding off the visiting Philadelphia Union 2-1, despite finishing the match with ten men.
Thierry Henry (57') and Lloyd Sam (67') each scored a goal in the lone Wednesday Major League Soccer contest as the New York Red Bulls picked up their first win of the season, holding off the visiting Philadelphia Union 2-1, despite finishing the match with ten men.
GARETH BALE HELPS GALACTICOS COP KING'S CUP
At Valencia, Spain:
Gareth Bale scored the winning goal in the 85th minute on Wednesday as Real Madrid defeated arch-rivals Barcelona 2-1 to win the Copa del Rey final.
Gareth Bale scored the winning goal in the 85th minute on Wednesday as Real Madrid defeated arch-rivals Barcelona 2-1 to win the Copa del Rey final.
AFC Champions League
Eight games were played in the AFC Champions League's group stage on Wednesday.
Group A:
At Al Rayyan, Qatar:
Cho Yong Hyung's own goal in the 90th minute proved costly as Al-Jazira defeated Al-Rayyan 3-2 on the road and clinched a berth in the knockout stage.
At Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:
Saeed Al Dasori scored the winning goal deep into second-half stoppage time (90'+5) as Al-Shabab defeated visiting Esteghlal 2-1. The Saudi Arabian club will play in the knockout stage.
GROUP A STANDINGS:
1. x-Al-Shabab (GP: 5; GD: +3; PTS: 12)
2. x-Al-Jazira (GP: 5; GD: +3; PTS: 10)
3. z-Esteghlal FC (GP: 5; GD: -2; PTS: 4)
4. z-Al-Rayyan (GP: 5; GD: -4; PTS: 3)
x-Clinched berth in knockout stage
z-Eliminated from tournament
Group B:
At Tashkent, Uzbekistan:
Oleg Zoteev (43'), Shodiev Vokhid (83'), and Alibobo Rakhmatullaev (85') produced the goals as Bunyodkor defeated visiting Al-Fateh 3-2 and stayed alive in the race for a knockout-stage berth.
At Ahvaz, Iran:
Bakhtiar Rahmani (21'), Gholam Reza Rezaei (45'), and Luciano Pereira (90'+3) each scored a goal as Foolad defeated visiting El Jaish 3-1 and locked up a berth in the knockout stage.
GROUP B STANDINGS:
1. x-Foolad FC (GP: 5; GD: +4; PTS: 11)
2. El Jaish (GP: 5; GD: +1; PTS: 8)
3. Bunyodkor PFK (GP: 5; GD: -1; PTS: 5)
4. z-Al-Fateh (GP: 5; GD: -4; PTS: 2)
x-Clinched berth in knockout stage
z-Eliminated from tournament
Group E:
At Osaka, Japan:
Lee Myung-Joo (24') and Kim Seung-Dae (65') each scored a goal as Pohang Steelers clinched first place in Group E following their 2-0 road win over Cerezo Osaka.
At Buriram, Thailand:
Kai Hirano scored the only goal of the match in the 35th minute as Buriram United made it a three-team race for the second Group E knockout-stage berth with their 1-0 home win over Shandong Luneng Taishan.
GROUP E STANDINGS:
1. xy-Pohang Steelers (GP: 5; GD: +5; PTS: 11)
2. Buriram United (GP: 5; GD: -4; PTS: 5)
3. Cerezo Osaka (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 5)
4. Shandong Luneng Taishan (GP: 5; GD: -1; PTS: 5)
xy-Won Group E and clinched berth in knockout stage
Group F:
At Gosford, Australia:
John Hutchinson's second-half stoppage-time own goal (90'+2) proved costly to the Central Coast Mariners as FC Seoul found themselves atop the Group F standings and on the cusp of locking up a berth in the knockout stage following their 1-0 road victory.
At Beijing, China:
Naoki Ishihara scored twice in the second half (67', 70') as Sanfrecce Hiroshima stayed in the race for a knockout-stage berth following their 2-2 road draw with Beijing Guoan. Shao Jiayi (55') and Joffre Guerron (61') delivered the goals for the Chinese club.
GROUP F STANDINGS:
1. FC Seoul (GP: 5; GD: +2; PTS: 8)
2. Central Coast Mariners (GP: 5; GD: -2; PTS: 6)
3. Beijing Guoan FC (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 6)
4. Sanfrecce Hiroshima (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 6)
Group A:
At Al Rayyan, Qatar:
Cho Yong Hyung's own goal in the 90th minute proved costly as Al-Jazira defeated Al-Rayyan 3-2 on the road and clinched a berth in the knockout stage.
At Riyadh, Saudi Arabia:
Saeed Al Dasori scored the winning goal deep into second-half stoppage time (90'+5) as Al-Shabab defeated visiting Esteghlal 2-1. The Saudi Arabian club will play in the knockout stage.
GROUP A STANDINGS:
1. x-Al-Shabab (GP: 5; GD: +3; PTS: 12)
2. x-Al-Jazira (GP: 5; GD: +3; PTS: 10)
3. z-Esteghlal FC (GP: 5; GD: -2; PTS: 4)
4. z-Al-Rayyan (GP: 5; GD: -4; PTS: 3)
x-Clinched berth in knockout stage
z-Eliminated from tournament
Group B:
At Tashkent, Uzbekistan:
Oleg Zoteev (43'), Shodiev Vokhid (83'), and Alibobo Rakhmatullaev (85') produced the goals as Bunyodkor defeated visiting Al-Fateh 3-2 and stayed alive in the race for a knockout-stage berth.
At Ahvaz, Iran:
Bakhtiar Rahmani (21'), Gholam Reza Rezaei (45'), and Luciano Pereira (90'+3) each scored a goal as Foolad defeated visiting El Jaish 3-1 and locked up a berth in the knockout stage.
GROUP B STANDINGS:
1. x-Foolad FC (GP: 5; GD: +4; PTS: 11)
2. El Jaish (GP: 5; GD: +1; PTS: 8)
3. Bunyodkor PFK (GP: 5; GD: -1; PTS: 5)
4. z-Al-Fateh (GP: 5; GD: -4; PTS: 2)
x-Clinched berth in knockout stage
z-Eliminated from tournament
Group E:
At Osaka, Japan:
Lee Myung-Joo (24') and Kim Seung-Dae (65') each scored a goal as Pohang Steelers clinched first place in Group E following their 2-0 road win over Cerezo Osaka.
At Buriram, Thailand:
Kai Hirano scored the only goal of the match in the 35th minute as Buriram United made it a three-team race for the second Group E knockout-stage berth with their 1-0 home win over Shandong Luneng Taishan.
GROUP E STANDINGS:
1. xy-Pohang Steelers (GP: 5; GD: +5; PTS: 11)
2. Buriram United (GP: 5; GD: -4; PTS: 5)
3. Cerezo Osaka (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 5)
4. Shandong Luneng Taishan (GP: 5; GD: -1; PTS: 5)
xy-Won Group E and clinched berth in knockout stage
Group F:
At Gosford, Australia:
John Hutchinson's second-half stoppage-time own goal (90'+2) proved costly to the Central Coast Mariners as FC Seoul found themselves atop the Group F standings and on the cusp of locking up a berth in the knockout stage following their 1-0 road victory.
At Beijing, China:
Naoki Ishihara scored twice in the second half (67', 70') as Sanfrecce Hiroshima stayed in the race for a knockout-stage berth following their 2-2 road draw with Beijing Guoan. Shao Jiayi (55') and Joffre Guerron (61') delivered the goals for the Chinese club.
GROUP F STANDINGS:
1. FC Seoul (GP: 5; GD: +2; PTS: 8)
2. Central Coast Mariners (GP: 5; GD: -2; PTS: 6)
3. Beijing Guoan FC (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 6)
4. Sanfrecce Hiroshima (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 6)
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
CONCACAF Champions League Final: Scoreless Series Opener On Rainy Tuesday Night In Mexico City
At Mexico City:
The opening match of the CONCACAF Champions League final saw Toluca holding hosts Cruz Azul to a 0-0 stalemate.
The series will conclude next Wednesday night at Toluca, Mexico.
The opening match of the CONCACAF Champions League final saw Toluca holding hosts Cruz Azul to a 0-0 stalemate.
The series will conclude next Wednesday night at Toluca, Mexico.
AFC Champions League: Group G Up For Grabs
Eight games were played in the group stage of the AFC Champions League on Tuesday.
Group C:
At Doha, Qatar:
Asamoah Gyan scored twice (70', 90'+2) as Al-Ain demolished Lekhwiya 5-0 on the road.
At Mecca, Saudi Arabia:
Abdulfattah Asiri (18') and Mukhtar Fallatah (60') delivered the scoring as Al-Ittihad defeated visiting Tractor Sazi 2-0.
GROUP C STANDINGS:
1. x-Al-Ain (GP: 5; GD: +7; PTS: 10)
2. x-Al-Ittihad (GP: 5; GD: +2; PTS: 9)
3. z-Tractor Sazi (GP: 5; GD: -3; PTS: 5)
4. z-Lekhwiya (GP: 5; GD: -6; PTS: 4)
x-Clinched berth in knockout stage
z-Eliminated from tournament
Group D:
At Fuladshahr, Iran:
Mehdi Sharifi scored twice (48', 56') as Sepahan smashed open what had been a scoreless stalemate at halftime with four second-half goals en route to a 4-0 home demolition of Al-Sadd.
At Dubai, United Arab Emirates:
Al-Ahli settled for a 0-0 home stalemate with Al-Hilal.
GROUP D STANDINGS:
1. Sepahan Isfahan FC (GP: 5; GD: +2; PTS: 7)
2. Al-Ahli (GP: 5; GD: +1; PTS: 7)
3. Al-Hilal (GP: 5; GD: +4; PTS: 6)
4. Al-Sadd (GP: 5; GD: -7; PTS: 5)
Group G:
At Melbourne, Australia:
Mark Milligan (2') and James Troisi (90'+1) provided the scoring as the Melbourne Victory helped gum things up in Group G following their 2-0 home blanking of defending champs Guangzhou Evergrande.
At Yokohama, Japan:
Manabu Saito scored two second-half goals a minute apart (61', 62') as Yokohama F. Marinos helped make it a four-team race in Group G with their 2-1 home win over Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
GROUP G STANDINGS:
1. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (GP: 5; GD: +1; PTS: 7)
2. Guangzhou Evergrande FC (GP: 5; GD: +1; PTS: 7)
3. Melbourne Victory (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
4. Yokohama F. Marinos (GP: 5; GD: -2; PTS: 7)
Group H:
At Ulsan, South Korea:
Mark Bridge (60') and Brendon Sentalab (80') delivered the goals as the Western Sydney Wanderers blanked Ulsan Hyundai 2-0 on the road.
At Guiyang, China:
Kengo Nakamura scored the only goal of the match in the 38th minute as Kawasaki Frontale stayed level on points with Western Sydney atop the Group H standings with their 1-0 road win over already-eliminated Guizhou Renhe.
GROUP H STANDINGS:
1. Western Sydney Wanderers (GP: 5; GD: +1; PTS: 9)
2. Kawasaki Frontale (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 9)
3. Ulsan Hyundai FC (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
4. z-Guizhou Renhe (GP: 5; GD: -1; PTS: 4)
z-Eliminated from tournament
Group C:
At Doha, Qatar:
Asamoah Gyan scored twice (70', 90'+2) as Al-Ain demolished Lekhwiya 5-0 on the road.
At Mecca, Saudi Arabia:
Abdulfattah Asiri (18') and Mukhtar Fallatah (60') delivered the scoring as Al-Ittihad defeated visiting Tractor Sazi 2-0.
GROUP C STANDINGS:
1. x-Al-Ain (GP: 5; GD: +7; PTS: 10)
2. x-Al-Ittihad (GP: 5; GD: +2; PTS: 9)
3. z-Tractor Sazi (GP: 5; GD: -3; PTS: 5)
4. z-Lekhwiya (GP: 5; GD: -6; PTS: 4)
x-Clinched berth in knockout stage
z-Eliminated from tournament
Group D:
At Fuladshahr, Iran:
Mehdi Sharifi scored twice (48', 56') as Sepahan smashed open what had been a scoreless stalemate at halftime with four second-half goals en route to a 4-0 home demolition of Al-Sadd.
At Dubai, United Arab Emirates:
Al-Ahli settled for a 0-0 home stalemate with Al-Hilal.
GROUP D STANDINGS:
1. Sepahan Isfahan FC (GP: 5; GD: +2; PTS: 7)
2. Al-Ahli (GP: 5; GD: +1; PTS: 7)
3. Al-Hilal (GP: 5; GD: +4; PTS: 6)
4. Al-Sadd (GP: 5; GD: -7; PTS: 5)
Group G:
At Melbourne, Australia:
Mark Milligan (2') and James Troisi (90'+1) provided the scoring as the Melbourne Victory helped gum things up in Group G following their 2-0 home blanking of defending champs Guangzhou Evergrande.
At Yokohama, Japan:
Manabu Saito scored two second-half goals a minute apart (61', 62') as Yokohama F. Marinos helped make it a four-team race in Group G with their 2-1 home win over Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
GROUP G STANDINGS:
1. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (GP: 5; GD: +1; PTS: 7)
2. Guangzhou Evergrande FC (GP: 5; GD: +1; PTS: 7)
3. Melbourne Victory (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
4. Yokohama F. Marinos (GP: 5; GD: -2; PTS: 7)
Group H:
At Ulsan, South Korea:
Mark Bridge (60') and Brendon Sentalab (80') delivered the goals as the Western Sydney Wanderers blanked Ulsan Hyundai 2-0 on the road.
At Guiyang, China:
Kengo Nakamura scored the only goal of the match in the 38th minute as Kawasaki Frontale stayed level on points with Western Sydney atop the Group H standings with their 1-0 road win over already-eliminated Guizhou Renhe.
GROUP H STANDINGS:
1. Western Sydney Wanderers (GP: 5; GD: +1; PTS: 9)
2. Kawasaki Frontale (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 9)
3. Ulsan Hyundai FC (GP: 5; GD: 0; PTS: 7)
4. z-Guizhou Renhe (GP: 5; GD: -1; PTS: 4)
z-Eliminated from tournament
OFC Champions League: Pirae Defeat Waitakere United To Win Group A Title And Semifinal Berth; Auckland City In Semis Too
Group-stage play in the OFC Champions League concluded on Tuesday with two Group A contests played at Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji.
In the opener, Micah Lea'alafa delivered a quadruple (8', 20', 26', 89') as Solomon Warriors destroyed Kiwi FC 8-0.
In the group-stage finale, Raimana Li Fung Kuee (1'), Naea Bennett (17'), and Jimmy Tepa (90'+2) provided the scoring as AS Pirae defeated Waitakere United 3-1 to finish atop Group A and advance to the semifinal round. With the Waitakere United defeat, Group B runners-up Auckland City advanced to the semifinals as the wild-card team.
FINAL GROUP A STANDINGS:
1. AS Pirae (GP: 3; GD: +11; PTS: 9)
2. Solomon Warriors (GP: 3; GD: +7; PTS: 4)
3. Waitakere United (GP: 3; GD: 0; PTS: 4)
4. Kiwi FC (GP: 3; GD: -18; PTS: 0)
AS Pirae won Group A and advanced to the semifinal round. All other clubs in the group were eliminated.
Match-ups for the semifinal round with the game-one hosts listed first:
Ba FC vs. Amicale FC
Auckland City vs. AS Pirae
The opening contests are scheduled for April 26-27, with the return matches set for May 3-4.
In the opener, Micah Lea'alafa delivered a quadruple (8', 20', 26', 89') as Solomon Warriors destroyed Kiwi FC 8-0.
In the group-stage finale, Raimana Li Fung Kuee (1'), Naea Bennett (17'), and Jimmy Tepa (90'+2) provided the scoring as AS Pirae defeated Waitakere United 3-1 to finish atop Group A and advance to the semifinal round. With the Waitakere United defeat, Group B runners-up Auckland City advanced to the semifinals as the wild-card team.
FINAL GROUP A STANDINGS:
1. AS Pirae (GP: 3; GD: +11; PTS: 9)
2. Solomon Warriors (GP: 3; GD: +7; PTS: 4)
3. Waitakere United (GP: 3; GD: 0; PTS: 4)
4. Kiwi FC (GP: 3; GD: -18; PTS: 0)
AS Pirae won Group A and advanced to the semifinal round. All other clubs in the group were eliminated.
Match-ups for the semifinal round with the game-one hosts listed first:
Ba FC vs. Amicale FC
Auckland City vs. AS Pirae
The opening contests are scheduled for April 26-27, with the return matches set for May 3-4.
Monday, April 14, 2014
OFC Champions League: Amicale Defeat Auckland City To Clinch Semifinal Berth
Action in Group B of the OFC Champions League concluded on Monday with two games played at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji.
In the opener, five goal scorers each tallied once as AS Dragon demolished Nadi FC 5-0.
In the second match, Dominique Fred's first-half stoppage-time score (45'+1) carried Amicale FC to a 1-0 win over defending champions Auckland City, enabling the club from Vanuatu to lock up top spot in Group B and a berth in the semifinal round.
FINAL GROUP B STANDINGS:
1. Amicale FC (GP: 3; GD: +8; PTS: 9)
2. Auckland City (GP: 3; GD: +5; PTS: 6)
3. AS Dragon (GP: 3; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
4. Nadi FC (GP: 3; GD: -14; PTS: 0)
By winning Group B, Amicale FC advanced to the semifinal round. Depending on what happens Tuesday in Group A, Auckland City remained alive for the tournament's wild-card berth. AS Dragon and Nadi FC have been eliminated.
In the opener, five goal scorers each tallied once as AS Dragon demolished Nadi FC 5-0.
In the second match, Dominique Fred's first-half stoppage-time score (45'+1) carried Amicale FC to a 1-0 win over defending champions Auckland City, enabling the club from Vanuatu to lock up top spot in Group B and a berth in the semifinal round.
FINAL GROUP B STANDINGS:
1. Amicale FC (GP: 3; GD: +8; PTS: 9)
2. Auckland City (GP: 3; GD: +5; PTS: 6)
3. AS Dragon (GP: 3; GD: +1; PTS: 3)
4. Nadi FC (GP: 3; GD: -14; PTS: 0)
By winning Group B, Amicale FC advanced to the semifinal round. Depending on what happens Tuesday in Group A, Auckland City remained alive for the tournament's wild-card berth. AS Dragon and Nadi FC have been eliminated.
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