It's Officially Official Again

I have my tickets to see the USA at the World Cup! Yes! Yes! Yes! Although I feel a bit like Joe Louis who has finally beaten Max Schmeling after two matches and many many grueling rounds.

I will be attending all three of our boyz first round games and at least the second round game too. After they win that game I don't know how I could possibly come home, so I will have to stay all the way until they beat England for the Cup! The plans are moving fast, but if you are going to be in Germany you need to drop me a line so we can make plans to rock together! See you at the schnitzel stand or the portable hooker truck.

Bone News

Our main man Grant Wahl at Sports Illustrated gives us the low down on our hero Bruce Arena! And believe me when I tell you that this is no short little blurb. This is the real deal in-depth article that all us geeks love. I suggest you go straight to topic No. 8, and see how Javier Aguirre felt losing to the USA in WC 02. Priceless Mexican Whining!
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Big Phil Scolari says NO to a deal with England as their next coach. I think he knows how much bullshit comes with that job cuz of the English newspapers, so he asked for a ton of cash to take job, and they turned down his request. Now the search either goes back to the slag heap or the drawing board.
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Kinda stolen from Lance and twisted by me into the real news on Big Phil: Introducing the new 2007 Chrysler Scolari! Plenty of room for a family of 4, and especially Big enough for the head-room needed by Brazilians named Phil. But no room onboard for a sack of potato heads. The promotional roll out on this new product will be intensely exciting.
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Git yer asses outta bed tomorrow mornin'! Chelsea v Manchester United at 6:30am central time on the Fox Soccer Channel. Chelsea needs just 1 point to win the Premiership. Man U does not want it to be on their watch. I bet Chelsea would love to rub Man U's nose in it. Someone is not going to get what they want.
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El Dee - ESPN had an online chat with our little Landy Donovan yesterday. Check it out now. Thanks to the Zath for the link.
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(REVISITED) In this Q & A with the latest New York Red Bulls Managing Director, Marc De Grandpre from NYNJ Soccer, MDG kicks aside the idea of a retractable roof being built on top of Red Bull Park with a simple "No"!
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Nice story in the Columbus Dispatch about Crew youngster Kei Kamara of Sierra Leone who left that country to avoid the brutal ugliness of civil war.
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Last week the student newspaper at Pomona College in suburban LA, "The Student Life" ran an article pointing out why soccer is popular for only a small faction of Americans (mostly newer immigrants) and will never reach beyond that hole. It did not bash the game, but I hated it just the same, and did not link to it here cuz I thought the author was an idiot who could not see the big picture. Today though "The Student Life" posted a great letter to the editor from a New York City guy that nailed a perfect rebuttal. The type I would love to write but get too carried away emotionally to pull off. This is some great reading. MANDATORY.
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Tune in chief:
MLS week 5
Saturday April 29
Salt Lake v Los Angeles - 3pm on ESPN2
DC v Dallas - 6:30 pm on Direct Kick
Columbus v KC - 6:30pm on HDNet
Colorado v Houston - 8pm on Direct Kick
Chivas v New York - 9pm on Direct Kick
Sunday April 30
New England v Chicago - 2pm on Direct Kick
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Steven Goff of the Washington Post covers DC United as good as any local newspaper writer covers any team in America: Undefeated United Is in Sync
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Ives Galarcep talks to USA & Man U backup keeper Tim Howard. This should be interesting (but isn't all that).
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The semi-legendary Bob Ryan at the Boston Globe has swooped down to write something about New England forward Taylor Twellman's chances of going to Alemania.
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Marc Connolly at the US Players Assoc has a Q & A with New England keeper Matt Reis.
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Goal.com talks to nearly-ancient nearly-legendary LA midfielder Cobi Jones, the most capped man in America.
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FC Dallas' new left midfielder/defender Marcos Charras of Argentina got his work visa approved in time to play in a reserve league match this weekend.
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What the hell is going on with NYRB's supposed star Amado Guevara? Have you asked yourself that? I have. Michael Lewis asks Amado to answer that question himself, for the New York Daily News.
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Soccer America has a kinda cool article on the medical/physical training staff behind Team USA.
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And Soccer America's always quality read - MLS Confidential.
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Robert Wagman of the Soccer Times has listed his 23 man USA WC roster. He and I have been exchanging emails over the past 24 hours cuz I disagree with him on some of his ideas. I love the smallness of soccer in America where we can have some fun and exchange our thoughts.
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Luis Arroyave of the Chicago Tribune talks to the Fire's Chris Armas about yet another long road back from injury.
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NYNJ Soccer has a chat with Chivas USA fat-lipped keeper Brad Guzan.
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The story in Salt Lake City on how a new stadium will be built seems to change every single day.
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New England Soccer News says that Jose Cancela expects to start in the midfield for New England v Chicago on Sunday, and then to open his mailbox in the next few days and see his Green Card inside. He is now an official USA resident. Hooray Jose. Hooray USA. Hooray Beer.
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The race for a Italian Serie A league scudetto is most definitely on! Juventus has blown a big season long lead that is now down to 3 points over Milan with 3 games left to play. Here are the two teams matches this weekend (each has two more matches to play after these):
Milan v Livorno
Siena v Juventus
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Michael Owen is supposed to take the field for Newcastle on Saturday against Birmingham. He broke his foot back in December and hopes to be ready for the World Cup.
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Barcelona can win La Liga this weekend if they beat Cadiz and 2nd place Valencia does NOT beat Alaves.
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Another Sports Illustrated guy - Gabrielle Marcotti - looks at the leaders behind the 2 Champions League finalists.
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CUP MANIA:
French Cup final on Saturday
Olympique Marseille v Paris St Germain at the Stade de France.
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German Cup Final on Saturday
Eintracht Frankfurt v Bayern Munchen at Berlin's Olympiastadion
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Champions League - Le Grande Finale
The Royal Arsenal FC of London England v FC Barcelona of Spain
May 17 at le Stade de France in Paris
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UEFA Cup Semifinals have been played. Here is the result:
Middlesbrough 4-2 Steaua (0-1) - The Boro storm back at home scoring 4 unanswered to overcome Steaua's 3 (including two extrapowerful away goals). Steau scored one in the first leg and got two more to start this match, making it 3-0 on aggregate after only 24 minutes. But Middlesbrough dug way down deep to conjure up 4 huge goals. What a come back. Dica & Goian scored for Steaua, with Viduka, Riggott & two from Macarone including the clincher in the 89th minute for the English. Wooooooow, as Shep Messing would say.
Sevilla 1-0 Schalke (0-0) - Seville believed in miracles and got one in extra time to end the 180 minutes of 0-0 soccer. Antonio Puerta got the winner to put them thru to the final.
-The Sevilla v Middlelsbrough final will be May 10 in Eindhoven.
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La Copa Libertadores 2006 round of 16 first leg matches are done! Here are those scores & next weeks deciding second leg games:
A:
April 27 - Newell's Old Boys 2-4 Vélez Sarsfield
May 3 - Vélez Sarsfield v Newell's Old Boys
B:
April 27 - Nacional 1-2 Internacional
May 3 - Internacional v Nacional
C:
April 26 - River Plate 3-2 Corinthians
May 4 - Corinthians v River Plate
D:
April 26 - Palmeiras 1-1 São Paulo FC
May 3 - São Paulo FC v Palmeiras
E:
April 25 - Estudiantes LP 2-0 Goiás EC
May 4 - Goiás EC v Estudiantes LP
F:
April 27 - Tigres UANL 0-0 Libertad
May 4 - Libertad v Tigres UANL
G:
April 25 - Liga Dep. Universitaria Quito 4-0 Atlético Nacional
May 2 - Atlético Nacional v Liga Dep. Universitaria Quito
H:
April 26 - Chivas Guadalajara 3-0 Independiente Santa Fe
May 2 - Independiente Santa Fe v Chivas Guadalajara
-Sport Illustrated with the Thursday match recap.

It's All Fun And Games News

Those Champions League Semifinals! The second & deciding leg matches:
-Villarreal 0-0 Arsenal (0-1) - A flippin dullards delight of a game gives The Arse the 1-0 win on aggregate.
-Barcelona 0-0 Milan (1-0) - Another match with no goals scored gives Barca the win 1-0 on agg.
-And now we know that The Grande Finale will feature Arsenal FC of London England v FC Barcelona of Spain on May 17 at le Stade de France in Paris.
-Peter Berlin of the International Herald Tribune on the two teams who will face off for the 2006 title: Wildly different routes to the final
Arsenal's Thierry Henry was awarded Player of the Year for a record third time by the English Football Writers' Association. Deserved.
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Big news outta England - Luiz Felipe Scolari, that's Big Phil to you and me, has been offered the England manager's job. I think this is a very good move on their part. I never felt like the guys who they kept talking about (McClaren, Curbishley, O'Neill, Allardyce, Pearce etc) were world class managers. In case you were wondering, Big Phil is currently Portugal's coach and in 02 he took Brazil to the title.
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Lance shoots out the one-liners:
-Scolari?!? Sure he was great in Bosom Buddies and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, but is he really the right man for the England job?
-My theory is that this (Arsenal's potential victory of the Champions League crown) is a very complex scheme to screw over Tottenham. Arsenal realized early they weren't going to catch Chelsea so they played poorly enough to finish behind Tottenham. Then when the Hotspur fans get excited about going to Europe, Arsenal snatches it away by winning the Champions League. Pure genius.
-Can't say I think much of England's World Cup song (Embrace? Who they?) (editors note: sounds like the Coldplay guy fronting a Morrissey cover band.)
-But you gotta love the BBC World cup theme music. (editors note: excellent in a goofy-pompous British way.)
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Yanks Abroad with a few words on former Metrostars midfielder Michael Bradley's late season success in Holland with Heerenveen. He played little when he first got there, but grew more and more into the team, and now that the Eredivise playoffs are here he has become a full time starter! Fantastic for him. His team won last night 1-0 over Roda to advance to the final in search of a UEFA Cup spot for next year. They take on FC Twente on the road Sunday and at home next Wednesday. Good luck Michael!
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Steven Goff from the Washington Post digs up pirate treasure again this year and finds the list of all MLS player salaries. Sure it's fun to look at the highest paid, but to me the real measure of the league is the lowest paid, and they are still embarrassingly to low. In case you are wondering where Goff get's this stuff and if it's legit, the rumor has always been that the players union leaks it so the majority of their members get some sympathy with the public next time they have to negotiate a new contract.
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I don't have the time to really dig into this, but I would love to see Manchester City's record with Claudio Reyna in the line up. I know that the team had a miserable late winter/early spring run and Reyna misses most of those matches. But he has been back for 3 straight now, and they are all victories. I think he is one of the most amazing players in this "category". You never really seem to see any big huge moments of flash and glory, but damn do his teams seem to win a lot.
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Don't forget to tune in: See the boss-man Bruce Arena on ESPN Sports Center Monday May 2 at 5pm central time announcing his USA World Cup squad!
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Seriously, please note that my birthday is coming up on May 3 and I would love one of these in the XXL variety!
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Kristian Dyer at Soccernet is calling for Il Bruce` to include Fat Tony in his World Cup squad as the third keeper over Hahnemann or Howard. For some bizarre reason I kinda agree as far as talent, but I think Arena wants great teammates too and Meola has shown himself to be quite selfish at times. He will not get the call. But I suppose he could be named as an alternate.
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On Tuesday during a press conference in Boston, MLS Commissioner Don Garber said that another "major Spanish side" (besides the already scheduled Barcelona) will be coming to the USA later this summer to play pre-season matches. We could know the identity of that team next week.
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The USA U17 team have advanced to the final of the annual Ballymena Tournament in Northern Ireland for the 4th consecutive year, yet are still looking for their first title. The will play the Czech Republic on Friday for this one. The USA beat the host nation 2-0 despite losing a player to a red card in the FIRST minute of the match. The USA finished the group stage with 2 wins over the aforementioned Northern Ireland & Switzerland and a draw with Finland. The Czechs go into the championship match with 3 wins over Belgium, Canada & Scotland.
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Defender Chris Leitch has joined the list of new players this week in Columbus. He played last year for New York, but was without a contract and had not been picked up by any other teams. Columbus Dispatch with more words on the topic at hand.
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San Diego Union Tribune quality soccer writer Mark Zeigler with his weekly column plus his Red Cards, Trophies & Sidelines.
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The Salt Lake Tribune says that young Jamaican striker Ryan Johnson will get his shot to start for RSL v LA this weekend. He played for Jamaica v the USA earlier this month.
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Glenn Davis of the Houston Chronicle writes about one of my favorite MLS defenders, Houston's too often injured Eddie Robinson. This guy and Danny Califf were awesome together last year in San Jose. I predict he will make the leagues Best 11 come season end, and vie for the Defender of the Year award.
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Larry Morgan of the LA Daily News says that Herculez Gomez is not happy being on the LA Galaxy bench. Well, I have a few words for Herc: SHUT UP AND PLAY THE DAMN GAME PUNK. I predicted that last year was a fluke, and he would not have nearly as good a run in 06. We shall see who is right, me or the guy with the cool name.
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NYNJ Soccer has a Q & A with the latest New York Red Bulls Managing Director, Marc De Grandpre.
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Stolen directly from New England Soccer News: The Revolution have confirmed the arrival of Eusebio da Silva Ferreira as a guest for the game against Los Angeles at Gillette Stadium May 6. Eusebio, who performed for the Boston Minutemen in 1975 after starring for SL Benfica and the Portuguese national team, burst on the international scene in the early 1960s and scored nine goals in the 1966 World Cup.
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Jeff Carlisle of Soccernet on Dallas's new monster mashin' forward Kenny Cooper.
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MLS week 5 games:
Saturday
Salt Lake v Los Angeles - 3pm on ESPN2
DC v Dallas - 6:30 pm on Direct Kick (come on over to my place and watch it!)
Columbus v KC - 6:30pm on HDNet
Colorado v Houston - 8pm on Direct Kick
Chivas v New York - 9pm on Direct Kick
Sunday
New England v Chicago - 2pm on Direct Kick
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The UEFA Cup Semifinal second leg matches are Tonight (with first leg scores included):
Middlesbrough v Steaua (0-1)
Sevilla v Schalke (0-0)
-The final will be May 10 in Eindhoven.
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FIFA has an article on the true characters of past World Cups, including our own Alexi "let's make the goals bigger" Lalas.
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Fernando Martin has quit as President of Real Madrid after less than 2 months on the job. That must be one sucky job right now. The clubs members will now embark on the task of electing a new El Presidente.
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WOW - Francesco Totti took the field last night for the Roma reserves. He plans to play for the first team before the Serie A season ends.
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La Copa Libertadores 2006 round of 16 starts immediately with some incredible matchups!! Here are the games & scores (all are two legged knockout games):
A:
April 27 - Newell's Old Boys v Vélez Sarsfield
May 3 - Vélez Sarsfield v Newell's Old Boys
B:
April 27 - Nacional v Internacional
May 3 - Internacional v Nacional
C:
April 26 - River Plate 3-2 Corinthians
May 4 - Corinthians v River Plate
D:
April 26 - Palmeiras 1-1 São Paulo FC
May 3 - São Paulo FC v Palmeiras
E:
April 25 - Estudiantes LP 2-0 Goiás EC
May 4 - Goiás EC v Estudiantes LP
F:
April 27 - Tigres UANL v Libertad
May 4 - Libertad v Tigres UANL
G:
April 25 - Liga Dep. Universitaria Quito 4-0 Atlético Nacional
May 2 - Atlético Nacional v Liga Dep. Universitaria Quito
H:
April 26 - Chivas Guadalajara 3-0 Independiente Santa Fe
May 2 - Independiente Santa Fe v Chivas Guadalajara
-Sports Illustrated with the Wednesday match recaps.

Turn Stop. Turn Stop. Turn Stop. News

Champions League Semifinals! The second & deciding leg matches (with first legs scores included):
Last Night
Villarreal 0-0 Arsenal (0-1) - A flippin dullards delight of a game gives The Arse the 1-0 win on aggregate. I never thought I would see The Arse play such boring crap. And I never thought I would see a team play at home so desperate for a goal and play with so little fire in their belly's (Villa). I watched it all waiting for SOMETHING to happen, and we got a taste of excitement when Lehman saved Riquelme's late PK after a really soft penalty was called. So Arsenal go to the championship while sitting in 5th place in England. Deja-frickin-vu. Maybe Milan will win today and get a chance to choke all over again.
Today
Barcelona - Milan (1-0) - See the second leg on Setanta & ESPN Deportes at 1:30pm central. And re-shown a day later on FSC at 4pm Thursday.
-Player news for today's match:
Barca will not have Lionel Messi who still is out with the messed up hamstring. And defender Oleguer & striker Henrick Larsson are both doubtful with injuries too.
Milan could end up in worse shape. Ambrosini broke his leg last weekend and is out. Kaka & Nesta are both banged up and doubtful too, but I would bet large amounts of cash that they play. Super-Pippo is fully recovered and ready to rock though.
-The Finale is May 17 at Stade de France in Paris.
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Andrea Canales at Soccernet writes more about the possibile MLS-MFL super-league that league officials have hinted at before!
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Still nothing in the Italian papers about a possible Nedved retirement BEFORE the World Cup (or after for that matter).
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The DC United Best 11 of the first decade:
F:
Raul Diaz Arce
Jaime Moreno
M:
Marco Etcheverry
Christian Gomez
John Harkes
Eddie Pope
D:
Jeff Agoos
Carlos Llamosa
Ryan Nelsen
Ben Olsen
G:
Nick Rimando
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New England have lost left sided midfielder Marshall Leonard for the entire season with a torn Achilles tendon.
-More on all the injured Rev's from Frank Dell'apa of the Boston Globe.
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The week's First XI by Jeff Bradley stars Salt Lake striker and all time MLS leading goal scorer Jason Kreis.
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Defender Ezra Hendrickson has left Chivas USA and will be reunited with his old LA coach Sigi Schmid in Columbus.
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Captain America plays again and assists on the Man City winner, via Yanks Abroad.
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USA Today has Hannover & USA defender Steve Cherundolo's third "Postcard from Germany".
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Kelly Whiteside of USA Today also writes about the future of USA chief Bruce Arena.
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Marc Connolly on New England midfielder Steve Ralston's last gasp for the USA World Cup team.
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Connolly also writes for MLSnet about all the players that are on the team bubble.
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Goal blab's with USA hopeful & KC star defender Jimmy "I'm smarter, more athletic, and funnier than you, but still can't beat the Thunder" Conrad.
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Don't forget to tune in: See the boss-man Bruce Arena on ESPN Sports Center Tuesday May 2 at 5pm central time announcing his USA World Cup squad!
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New Fellow Freak, from NYC - 116 Street Soccer. Footballing from a lesser authority...
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Please take note - My birthday is coming up on May 3 and I would love one of these or one of these in XXL!
-Here are some of the amazing humans that I share a birthday with:
James Brown
Bing Crosby
Machiavelli
Golda Meir
Sugar Ray Robinson
Pete Seeger
And in case you were wondering, Jack Bell of the New York Times shares his birthday with my old buddy Prince.
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Two from Rob Hughes of the International Herald Tribune: Arsenal, quintessentially French, heads to Paris - and - Zidane quits on his own terms (Personally I wish Zizou would have left a couple years ago when he was still amazing - he has done almost nothing in the last two+ years.)
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The Fiver, from the Guardian, brought to you here at du Nord by the fine folks at Live Nude Weblog.
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La Copa Libertadores 2006 round of 16 starts immediately with some incredible matchups!! Here are the games & scores (all are two legged knockout games):
A:
April 27 - Newell's Old Boys v Vélez Sarsfield
May 3 - Vélez Sarsfield v Newell's Old Boys
B:
April 27 - Nacional v Internacional
May 3 - Internacional v Nacional
C:
April 26 - River Plate v Corinthians
May 4 - Corinthians v River Plate
D:
April 26 - Palmeiras v São Paulo FC
May 3 - São Paulo FC v Palmeiras
E:
April 25 - Estudiantes LP 2-0 Goiás EC
May 4 - Goiás EC v Estudiantes LP
F:
April 27 - Tigres UANL v Libertad
May 4 - Libertad v Tigres UANL
G:
April 25 - Liga Dep. Universitaria Quito 4-0 Atlético Nacional
May 2 - Atlético Nacional v Liga Dep. Universitaria Quito
H:
April 26 - Chivas Guadalajara v Independiente Santa Fe
May 2 - Independiente Santa Fe v Chivas Guadalajara
-The two matches last night kicking off the knock out stages saw the home teams win easily. Sports Ill with the Tuesday match recaps.
-Three more games tonight will feature almost all of the favorites: Chivas, River, Corinthians & Sao Paulo!
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The UEFA Cup Semifinal second leg matches are on Thursday (with first leg scores included):
Middlesbrough v Steaua (0-1)
Sevilla v Schalke (0-0)
-The final will be May 10 in Eindhoven.

De-Pantsed At A Courtyard By Marriot News

Champions League Semifinals! The second & deciding leg matches (with first legs scores included):
Today
Villarreal - Arsenal (0-1) - See it on ESPN2 at 1:30pm central.
Tomorrow
Barcelona - Milan (1-0) - See it on Setanta & ESPN Deportes at 1:30pm central. And reshown a day later on FSC at 4pm central
-The Finale is May 17 at Stade de France in Paris.
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It will be the World Cup and then no more for the mighty Zizou! One of the all time greats, Zinedine Zidane, says that he will officially retire from the sport after playing in this World Cup for France. That also means that his playing days with Real Madrid are nearly over too, with only 4 games left in the Spanish La Liga season.
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Amazing Bruce Arena interview: There is a fantastic thread on Big Soccer by a poster called Autogolazo talking about a TV Show on Fox Sports En Espanyol called Los Tecnicos. The show is running 1 hour interviews with each of the 32 World Cup bound coaches. Autogolazo gives us a very detailed rundown of the Bruce Arena episode that has some incredible insight. WHY CANT WE GET THIS KIND OF THING ON BIG TIME AMERICAN TELEVISION!!!!!!! There are actually 11 parts to this post, but they are each really short (in length, not content). You will LOVE this.
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Eight
Nine
Ten
Eleven
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Today's edition of Frank Giase's weekly column in the Newark Star Ledger features outspoken television commentator Eric Wynalda going after his former USA teammate and now LA Pres Alexi Lalas. And Lalas firing back. This could get really good!!
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After bagging 2 goals for DC United in their 1-4 dismantling of New York, Alecko Eskandarian won the MLS Player Of The Week award for week 4.
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MLS single table standings:
10 DC
10 Dallas
9 KC
6 Houston
4 New England
4 Columbus
4 Colorado
4 Los Angeles
3 New York
3 Chivas USA
2 Chicago
1 Salt Lake
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Before last Sunday's match by my Thunder I met Josh who does the excellent web log ThroughBall and now I see where he has a link on his site to the first two (of four!) goals as filmed by local channel 11 KARE. I tip my hat to Josh!
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Important - My birthday is coming up on May 3 and I would love one of these or one of these in XXL! (Just drop an email and I can tell ya how to ship em to me.)
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American defender Lil Greggy Berhalter scored an 86th minute PK to help his team Energie Cottbus snag a 1-1 draw with Greuther Furth and all but ensure promotion to the Bundesliga for next year. Three teams are promoted from the 2nd division and with 3 games left Cottbuss in 6 points ahead of Furth for the 3rd and final spot. Yanks Abroad has more.
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The (totally unintended) hilarity continues in LA this coming weekend when the pathetic Red Bulls of New York play their old boss Bob Bradley and his new team Chivas! And of course NY might get to run into their short term ex-leader Alexi Lalas in LA too. Hahahahahahaha. Here is what Ives at the North Jersey Herald thinks.
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Nick Green of the suburban LA Daily Breeze compares the organizations behind Red Bull & Chivas.
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The latest word in stadium financing from the Salt Lake Tribune. It's a never ending series of questions that somehow don't seem to get answered.
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And more news in the Cleveland area from the Akron Beacon Journal on their dreams of having their own MLS team soon.
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DC United fans have voted on their top 11 players from the clubs first decade. From Steven Goff of the Washington Post.
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US Soccer has a new podcast with USA manager Bruce Arena and so called superfan Drew Carey at a press conference in Cleveland promoting the USA match v Venezuela on May 26.
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Reading & USA goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann was one of 5 Reading players named to the English Professional Footballers' Association's Championship division 2006 Team of the Year. Bobby Convey did not make that list however. Hmmmm.
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MLSnet has a feature story on former Indiana star and promising young Dallas defender Drew Moor who made his first start last Saturday. Some people feel that once he gets in that line up it may be very hard to get him back out.
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Luis Bueno with news on Chivas USA's poster boy Ramon Ramirez who has not played yet this year due to a re-occurring knee injury.
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Rob Hughes of the International Herald Tribune says there is a bright shiny new day in Iran for women football fans: The delicate overlap between sports and politics
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Goal is claiming, via unnamed "Italian Media" that Czech star Pavel Nedved will retire BEFORE the World Cup. But all the major Italian papers have nothing on it. Maybe tomorrow they will.
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La Copa Libertadores 2006 round of 16 starts immediately with some incredible matchups!! Here are the games (all are two legged knockout games):
A: April 27 & May 3
Newell's Old Boys v Vélez Sarsfield
B: April 27 & May 3
Nacional v Internacional
C: April 26 & May 4
River Plate v Corinthians
D: April 26 & May 3
Palmeiras v São Paulo FC
E: April 25 & May 4
Estudiantes LP v Goiás EC
F: April 27 & May 4
Tigres UANL v Libertad
G: April 25 & May 2
Liga Dep. Universitaria v Atlético Nacional
H: April 26 & May 2
Chivas Guadalajara v Independiente Santa Fe

Out Of Control News

My boyzzzz the Minnesota Thunder started the 2006 season they way I like it to start. A 4-0 ass kicking of defending league champs Seattle. Yes Seattle lost several key players from last year, and had some injuries. But our team had a terrible year last year and were missing at least 2 key starters from this match. The defense looked a little shaky at times, and the midfield did little or no passing, but the attackers were relentless. Every time 1 of the front 4 got ahold of the ball they were turning and going straight at the goal. All the goals made me so so happy, and came from many different scenarios. Blistering speed and powerful shot from Melvin Tarley for #1. Terrible defense-to-keeper backpass left an opportunity to make them pay for #2 by Leo Gibson. Tenacious central midfield and center striker bull rush by Terry Alvino and Nate Knox giving Alvino #3. And speed and amazing ball skill with a gorgeous flick by Aaron Paye for #4. The team grabbed a clean sheet too, which we saw so damn little of last year. Nice start for the new coach, Amos Magee & the team. PS. Former headman Buzz Lagos joined the supporters section for the 2nd half of the match! How amazing is that!
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10 of the 12 First Division teams kicked off the season:
Puerto Rico 3-1 Atlanta (Friday)
Virginia Beach 2-0 Toronto
Vancouver 1-0 Portland
Miami 0-0 Montreal
Minnesota 4-0 Seattle
Puerto Rico 1-1 Atlanta (Sunday)
-Charleston starts their season next weekend v Virginia Beach, and Rochester starts the week after that in Miami.
-The Thunder have a week off before heading to games in Portland on May 6, in Seattle May 13, in Vancouver May 14 & in Montreal May 21, before the next home game v Portland on May 27.
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MLS matches this past weekend:
New York 1-4 DC - Washington Post match report by Steven Goff
Houston 2-1 Salt Lake - Houston Chronicle match report by Bernardo Fallas
Los Angeles 0-1 Columbus - LA Times match report by Grahame Jones
Dallas 2-1 Kansas City - Fort Worth Star Telegram match report by Tobias Xavier Lopez
~ ~ ~ ~
Did you see Alecko Eskandarian's celebration after he scored the first goal against the New York Red Bulls? He ran over to his own bench where someone tossed him a can of Red Bull, he popped the top, took a sip, got a sour look on his face, and spit it out! Fantastic!!
~ ~ ~ ~
Jonesy in the LA Times comments on the celebration too.
~ ~ ~ ~
MLSnet on new Galaxy President Alexi Lalas' first day in charge: Lalas met the media in LA last Friday
~ ~ ~ ~
More on the embarrassing home loss by LA to their former coach Sigi Schmid & his Columbus Crew, from MLSnet.
~ ~ ~ ~
DJ Walker's grandiose Stream of Consciousness: Splainin'; KC Wizards at FC Dallas
~ ~ ~ ~
Andrea Canales on the Q & A with John O'Brien of Chivas USA, for Soccer 365.
~ ~ ~ ~
Houston Dynamo signed ex-Sunderland mid-fielder Stuart Holden.
~ ~ ~ ~
According to Michael Lewis at Big Apple Soccer, former Metrostar & USA actual star Tab Ramos has been approached to become the New York Red Bulls Director Of Soccer Operations.
~ ~ ~ ~
Andrew Dixon at GolNoir has some excellent words for "Soccer Haters".
~ ~ ~ ~
Frank Giase of the Newark Star Ledger looks at the current state of the Freddy Adu saga.
~ ~ ~ ~
The latest on the possibility of having MLS in Philly sees 3 companies lining up bids to make it happen.
~ ~ ~ ~
The London Telegraph on Landy Cakes & Team USA for the World Cup.
~ ~ ~ ~
Even more Bridgeview pics via Kenn Tomasch.
~ ~ ~ ~
FYI Again - My birthday is coming up on May 3 and I would love one of these or one of these in XXL! (Just drop me an anonymous email and I will tell you what address to ship it to.)
~ ~ ~ ~
I know what this is, but I still don't get it: El Reto Final Nissan - Team USA 1997 v Team Mexico 1997
~ ~ ~ ~
English FA Cup Semifinals this weekend:
Chelsea 1-2 Liverpool
Middlesbrough 0-1 West Ham
-The final, Liverpool v West Ham, will be played at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday May 13th. Again they unfortunately will only be showing this match on closed-circuit TV at selected pubs and restaurants. There is a mandatory $20 PER PERSON COVER CHARGE from Setanta! Call your local watering hole to see if they are showing it.
~ ~ ~ ~
FINALLY! Europe has an actual race for a league title. In Italy Juventus has blown a big season long lead that is now down to 3 points over Milan with 3 games left to play. Juventus drew 1-1 with Lazio while Milan beat Messina 3-1.
-Here are the two teams remaining matches:
April 30
Milan v Livorno
Siena v Juventus
May 7
Juventus v Palermo
Parma v Milan
May 14
Milan v Roma
Reggina v Juventus
~ ~ ~ ~
The World Rankings by the original Secret Squirrel Jonah Freedman at Sports Illustrated!
~ ~ ~ ~
Alan Shearer has made it official and called an end to his 18 year career. I would guess he will stay at Newcastle in some capacity, but then again.... He scored tons of goals, including 130 for Blackburn, 30 goals for England, 43 for Southampton, 206 in the black & white stripes.
~ ~ ~ ~
BQ sent me this note and a link to a story about Shearer from Soccernet: I really liked this article. Not sure quite why. Maybe there was just something very human about the whole thing. His young child asking why he wasn't eating the pre-game meal, and eating pie and chips at the stadium instead. It kind of reminded me of seeing Manny Lagos this morning at the Thunder practice with his warm ups on but in tennis shoes and holding a cup of Dunn Brothers coffee. How strange it must be for the pro athlete when their whole world gets changed like this.
~ ~ ~ ~
Steven Gerrard of Liverpool was awarded the English PFA's Player of the Year. OK? I guess I would say he is in the top 10, but best? Frank Lampard was the clear winner. On the other hand, who am I to argue, it's fellow players that pick this award, and they should know who is best. Right?
~ ~ ~ ~
In a little reported story, Malcolm Glazer who owns Man United suffered a stroke on Easter Sunday, but has now been released from the hospital.
~ ~ ~ ~
The mighty Phil Ball hits Morocco: From Marrakesh to the Madrigal
~ ~ ~ ~
Rob Hughes of the International Herald Tribune looks at the bull headed egomaniacal pigs who leads England's biggest clubs: Struggling managers behaving badly. Then shows us the great side of the game with a tribute to one of Brazil's most beautiful of the beautiful: For Santana, a legacy of elegance
~ ~ ~ ~
The UEFA Champions League Semifinals move to the second & deciding leg matches (with first legs scores included):
Tuesday:
Villarreal - Arsenal (0-1) - See the second leg on ESPN2 at 1:30pm central.
Wednesday:
Barcelona - Milan (1-0) - See the second leg on Setanta & ESPN Deportes at 1:30pm central. And reshown a day later on FSC at 4pm central time.
-The Finale is May 17 at Stade de France in Paris.
~ ~ ~ ~
Top 12 goal scorers in Europe (in regular league matches):
28 Luca Toni - Fiorentina
25 Klass Jan Huntelaar - Heereveen/Ajax
24 Samuel Eto'o - Barcelona
23 Thierry Henry - Arsenal
22 David Villa - Valencia
21 David Trezeguet - Juventus
21 Ruud Van Nistelrooij - Manchester United
21 Tarmo Neemelo - TVMK Tallinn
20 Kris Boyd - Kilmarnock/Rangers
20 Daivd Suazo - Cagliari
20 Pauleta Paris Saint Germain
20 Miroslav Klose - Werder Bremen
~ ~ ~ ~
La Copa Libertadores 2006 round of 16 starts immediately with some incredible matchups!! Here are the games (all are two legged knockout games):
A: April 27 & May 3
Newell's Old Boys v Vélez Sarsfield
B: April 27 & May 3
Nacional v Internacional
C: April 26 & May 4
River Plate v Corinthians
D: April 26 & May 3
Palmeiras v São Paulo FC
E: April 25 & May 4
Estudiantes LP v Goiás EC
F: April 27 & May 4
Tigres UANL v Libertad
G: April 25 & May 2
Liga Dep. Universitaria v Atlético Nacional
H: April 26 & May 2
Chivas Guadalajara v Independiente Santa Fe
-Gregeory Sica of Sports Illustrated breaks the last 16 on down now.
~ ~ ~ ~
My man Sasha is always filling me in on the latest & greatest from the Serbia & Montenegro team players. Here is his latest: Here is an article I found (unlinked) on BigSoccer: Brazilians crazy about Dejan Petkovic …they even compare him with the legendary Zico 16.02.2006 by Anita Clara
They call him “Pet” and no matter which team they are supporting: Brazilians are fascinated with the ‘gringo’ (the stranger) and keep on saying that he should become a naturalized Brazilian in order to play for the Seleção. In the country, that won 5 World Cups so far, people are wondering where this foreigner comes from, because he seems not to belong to the Earth. Users exchanging opinions in web forums, joke that he could be a native from another planet and believe that he must have superpowers. Even Brazilian football players describe Dejan ‘Rambo’ Petkovic, who was selected as the best midfielder of the Brazlian league in 2005, with words full of admiration: “extraordinary”, “sensational”, “a unique personality”, “a joyful spirit, inspirational for the entire team”, “a spectacular player”, “with a rhythm and quality very rare”, “an artist with the ball” and… they even compare him to the legendary Zico.
For the supporters of Flamengo “Pet” played the main part in winning the third consecutive title in the Carioca Championship. For the fans of Vitoria he is the most fabulous player they can remember and still regret that he left them. Vasco da Gama’s supporters speculate, that he showed his best performances there and people of Fluminense are full of gratitude towards the goals he is currently scoring for them and his numerous unforgettable performances.
Most of them cannot explain themselves, why the coach of Serbia & Montenegro is not counting on him for the WC 2006 and want him as 22nd player in their own national team. They dream about “Pet” entering a difficult match beside Kakà and Ronaldinho, making some assists for Ronaldo or shooting the ball directly to Adriano’s head.
Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo, technical coordinator of the Brazilian Seleção, criticized the attitude of the FA of Serbia Montenegro, telling that they are blind if they don’t see the talent of “Pet”. In the opinion of the journalist Eduardo Vieira da Costa, writing for Folha do Sau Paulo, this uncertainty about “Pet” in Germany 2006 is a great injustice. Meanwhile, the ‘Serbo-Brazilian’ is still hoping to be called up by Ilija Petkovic for the friendly of Serbia Montenegro against Tunisia on the 1st of march, so he can prove what his true worth is.
There are some highlight clips of his goals this season on YouTube, but I can't get them to work (maybe it's just my computer)...
~ ~ ~ ~
LEAGUE TITLES:
-Sheriff won a record sixth consecutive Moldovan league title.
-Maccabi Haifa won the Israeli league championship for a third season in a row.
-Porto won their 21st Portuguese Premier League title
-Red Star Belgrade won their 24th Serbia and Montenegro first division title

The Free Beer Movement Rages On!

The Free Beer Movement is about to explode here in Minnesota this weekend!
Our Minnesota Thunder game v Seattle was originally scheduled to be played in-door at the Minneapolis Metrodome (because we can still have some pretty unbearable weather at this time of year), but the fans rallied and pleaded with the team to not play there (its frickin hideous). And brilliantly they moved the game back outside to our fabulous little rat hole of a stadium, in St Paul, The Jimmy!
Then the team topped that and pulled a master stroke by teaming up with the United Way to make the the home opener FREE ADMISSION, with a collection being taken up for the charity!
Genius move!
Now we can bring eleventy million people to the match for free!
We pooled together a bunch of $$ for a beer & soda purchase!
The pregame tailgate party kicks off 3 hours before game time (noon tailgate, and 3pm kickoff)!
We just have to hope it isn't 40 degrees and rain that day, cuz then no one will show up except us sicko's!
Yes, the Free Beer Movement rages on!

If you want join in, please do. We would love to see you!
Here are the details:
Minnesota Thunder v Seattle Sounders (defending league champs)
3pm
Sunday April 23
James Griffin Stadium
I-94 & Lexington in St Paul
Map

Hooray Beer Indeed!

Kurtis Blow's Semi-Annual Sale News

Today's biggest news is non-news: Red Bull keep Mo Johnston as coach (for now, but for how long?), from Frank Giase of the Newark Star Ledger.
-Ives Galarcep from the North Jersey Herald has more words on the topic, including some on a deal that supposedly fell thru.
-But in reality that deal has now been completed bringing Haitian striker Jean Phillipe Peguero to the Meadowlands, according to Big Apple Soccer. More deals are in the works too.
~ ~ ~ ~
The First Division, and my Minnesota squad kick off their season this weekend against the defending champs/chumps from Seattle. USL has season previews of all the teams. (Make sure you come to our game on Sunday, it's gonna be a doozy, and it's free!)
~ ~ ~ ~
MLS matches this weekend:
Saturday
New York v DC - 3pm on ESPN2 - should be a great with the all heat between the fans being flamed, and NY's coach being forced to sit on a real hot seat.
Houston v Salt Lake - 7:30pm on Direct Kick - Ummmmm, I don't care.
Los Angeles v Columbus - 9:30pm on Direct Kick - New LA Pres Lalas gets to see his coach Sampson in action, and see the old LA coach Schmid bring his new team to town for some personal R-E-V-E-N-G-E!
Sunday
Dallas v Kansas City - 4pm on ESPN2 - Two teams who can score like crazy. Will KC win another one? It sure would be fun to see a team win 4 in a row to start the season and make everyone else scramble to keep up.
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Bruce Arena & Drew Carey are NOT Laurel & Hardy (Editors note: cuz neither one of em is skinny). At least that is what the Cleveland Plain Dealer says about their joint press conference promoting the USA match v Venezuela on May 26.
~ ~ ~ ~
Dallas free weekly The Observer has a very in-depth view on the life of FC Dallas striker El Pescadito, Carlos Ruiz. Warts and all.
~ ~ ~ ~
Part of the roof is starting to go on the new stadium in Denver. Bonji from Big Soccer posted these excellent pictures.
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And here is Bridgeview today.
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FYI - My birthday is coming up on May 3 and I would love one of these or one of these in XXL!
~ ~ ~ ~
The Columbus Dispatch looks at the Crew's new defender (and hopeful star) Marcos Gonzalez. He is one of coach Sigi's fancy new boyz.
~ ~ ~ ~
The Carson Daily Breeze have a feature on another Columbus player, young Southern California striker Kei Kamara.
~ ~ ~ ~
Business Week: A Breakout Year For Soccer?
~ ~ ~ ~
The Soccer Times says DaMarcus Beasley was found guilty and fined 1,500 euros by an Eindhoven judge for driving under the influence of alcohol. Beasley's driving license which had been suspended was reinstated. The judge was a little extra hard on DMB cuz he is a wealthy athlete, but Beasley said, "I've learned my lesson. But it has happened and I must be a man. I must take my responsibility to my family and PSV."
~ ~ ~ ~
Talented USA youngster Michael Bradley left New York during the January transfer window to sign with Heerenveen in Holland. He checks in with US Soccer via a downloadable podcast on his progress.
~ ~ ~ ~
I had linked to another US Soccer podcast the other day with US U20 coach Thomas Rongen. It's always great to listen to these things cuz you get a lot more than the few word bites that ever end up in newspaper and magazine articles. But one thing about what Rongen was saying bothered me. He talked about getting the young guys experience at high levels etc, but eluded to the fact that "winning" is not always the main focus when trying to see and evaluate players. My feeling is that our teams should be beyond that point, and a "must win" attitude is now needed to up the level of play. I really hope we stop this underdog mentality soon, and start acting like world beaters.
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You wanna watch MLS on the web. Now you can. For a small fee. Check it out now.
~ ~ ~ ~
Michelle Kaufman of the Miami Herald brings us: The essential Romário
~ ~ ~ ~
FIFA has a chat with Italy's boss Marcello Lippi. Great read. Part 1 - and - Part 2.
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Every football federation makes really stupid decisions based on "who-knows-what?" In today's case our favorite monster defenderOguchi Oneywu will miss his team Standard's biggest game of the year (Standard sit in first place 1 point ahead of #2 Anderlecht and the two teams meet tonight) because Oguchi got a red card back in October, appealed it, won a reprieve, yet now the league have turned around repealing that earlier reprieve and saying he must serve the suspension during this specific game. Holy Bat Shit, they are whacked! Yanks Abroad covers it a little better then I do, and fills in some details that I conveniently left out for sake of conspiracy.
~ ~ ~ ~
Simon Kuper of the Financial Times sees the supposed Wayne Rooney gambling stories as just another part of British culture, for good or bad.
~ ~ ~ ~
I read today that the reason our boy Ballack has not signed with Chelsea is cuz they have all those other world class midfielders and he wants assurance that he will play. Don't blame him. I would not sign with them if I was him, unless I was only in it for the money.
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UEFA Magazine's Big Interview for April: Paolo Maldini. (Thanks to Even for the corrected spelling of Paolo's name!:})
~ ~ ~ ~
Marco Van Basten has named a preliminary squad for Holland at the World Cup. He has left Roy Makaay & Clarence Seedorf off, but included Edgar Davids. What gives dude? Read the whole thing at Goal.
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Big Euro matches this weekend - only one needed:
The Arse v Tottenham - not only is it THE London derby, but they are battling for the 4th and final Champions League spot for England, AND it's the last game EVER at Arsenal's home ground Highbury. Do you need more?
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CUP MANIA:
English FA Cup Semifinals this weekend:
Chelsea v Liverpool - at Old Trafford on Sat Apr 22 - Unfortunately the only way to see this match is on closed-circuit TV at selected pubs and restaurants. There is a mandatory $20 PER PERSON COVER CHARGE from Setanta! Call your local watering hole to see if they are showing it.
Middlesbrough v West Ham - at Villa Park on Sun April 23 - see it live on FSC at 10am.
-The final will be played at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff
~ ~ ~ ~
French Cup or Coupe de France Semifinals were last night:
Olympique Marseille 3-0 Stade Rennes
Nantes 1-2 Paris Saint Germaine
-So, the final is April 29 with Marseille v PSG!
~ ~ ~ ~
The UEFA Cup Semifinals last night (with return legs on the 27th):
Steaua 1-0 Middlesbrough - goal by Nicolae Dica in a commanding win
Schalke 0-0 Sevilla - Sevilla now with the chance at home glory
-The final will be May 10 in Eindhoven.
~ ~ ~ ~
Last night was the end of the Copa Libertadores group grope stage, and now all 16 precious spots have been filled for the next round!! Here are the games and scores:
Chivas Guadalajara 0-0 Cienciano - Grupo 1
São Paulo FC 2-0 Caracas FC - Grupo 1
River Plate 1-0 Libertad - Grupo 8
Paulista FC 0-0 El Nacional - Grupo 8
-Let's see who has advanced from the groups to the round of 16 (with top seeds listed first):
Group 1 - Sao Paulo & Chivas Guadalajara
Group 2 - Independiente Santa Fe & Estudiantes LP
Group 3 - Goias EC & Newells' Old Boys (who sneak in on goal differential)
Group 4 - Corinthians & UANL Tigres (who also sneak in on goal differential)
Group 5 - Vélez Sarsfield & Liga Dep Universitaria
Group 6 - Internacional & Nacional
Group 7 - Atlético Nacional & Palmeiras
Group 8 - Libertad & River Plate
-We will have all the details on the knock out stages in a couple of days.

Deer Hawk Eaten By Golden Eagle News

The CONCACAF Champions Cup winner is Club America, who get to play in the FIFA World Club Championship next December in Japan.
America 2-1 Toluca (after a 0-0 first leg) - The game went to extra time with a 0-0 score-line in Mexico City. Toluca's Paulo Cesar Da Silva scored first in the 93rd minute. But Kleber Boas scored the equalizer in the 105th minute for America, leading to the 115th minute Cup winner from Duilio Davino.
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You will be able to listen to my Thunder's new head man Amos Magee live on the radio Friday morning. He will be on KFAN with P.A.& Dubay at 9:20am central time. If yer in the Twin Cities you can listen via 1130AM or on the web at KFAN.com.
~ ~ ~ ~
Germany's Noble winning author Gunter Grass is not down with today's version of big money football. But he does support St Pauli and that is good enough for me. From the Guardian.
~ ~ ~ ~
Michael Lewis of Big Apple Soccer talked to the man who has spent years working on building New York a soccer stadium across the river in Harrison New Jersey. On Wednesday the rumors flew that new owners Red Bull might not want a new stadium, but Nick "30 to 60 days" Sakiewicz says that is not true. But why should we believe anything he says after years of untruths about the stadium when he ran the Metrostars team?
~ ~ ~ ~
Big Apple & Lewis is also reporting that New York coach Mo Johnston could be history as soon as tomorrow. That is too bad. So who does New York hire?
-Here is my prediction on what will happen: Johnston stupidly gets booted by Red Bull, then in a couple of weeks Salt Lake is still totally stinking the place up so they fire coach John Ellinger, and quickly hire Johnston to get them rolling. Good move.
~ ~ ~ ~
Soccernet's Jeff Carlisle looks at how Alexi Lalas and his old coach & enemy Steve Sampson will co-exist in Los Angeles.
~ ~ ~ ~
The Nashville Tenneseean newspaper welcomed Bruce Arena to town to promote the USA v Morocco match next month. Here is what the boss man had to say.
~ ~ ~ ~
Midfielder Richard Mulrooney is nearly all the way back for his Dallas club. He suffered a bad knee injury before his career in Dallas every really took off a year ago. I bet he is dying to get on the field.
~ ~ ~ ~
Soccer America looks at Soccer in America (all pun intended) from a TV point of view, TV dollars from ABC & its family specifically. And if you fear having to listen to Dave O'Brien doing many many soccer games, then prepare for the worst, cuz this article says he is our guy in Germany.
~ ~ ~ ~
Glenn Davis of the Houston Chronicle looks at the USA U20 team that is playing matches in Argentina right now.
~ ~ ~ ~
Frank Dell'apa says Colorado's Jovan Kirovski has not given up on getting some more Team USA love: Still hoping to be noticed
~ ~ ~ ~
A couple of fine points from Lance: Since the MLS is stealing naming traditions from other nations (United, Real, Inter, Dynamo etc.) I think we should have Red and White Milwaukee (or Rot und Weiss) should they get a franchise. Fits in with the German heritage of the area. Beats Milwaukee Stanley or Milwaukee Rovers.
And - Did you look at the Four Four Two list of top 50 non-Premier League players? I think five of the top ten were from Reading and there was another two or three in the top 50. (Editors note: our main man Bobby Convey clocks in at #10 in the countdown.) Maybe they won't do the usual Sunderland yoyo next season. (To be fair, both Wigan and West Ham didn't do the yoyo this year. Go unglamorous Wigan!)
~ ~ ~ ~
MLS matches this weekend (all times central):
Saturday:
New York v DC - 3pm on ESPN2
Houston v Salt Lake - 7:30pm on Direct Kick
Los Angeles v Columbus - 9:30pm on Direct Kick
Sunday
Dallas v Kansas City - 4pm on ESPN2
~ ~ ~ ~
The USL First Division TV schedule with Fox Soccer Channel has been announced. My Thunder only make one appearance this year: Friday June 30 Minnesota @ Virginia Beach
~ ~ ~ ~
Syracuse is closer to re-entering the USL First Division now that their stadium troubles have been fixed.
~ ~ ~ ~
The MLS All-Stars v Chelsea game will be played on August 5th in Chicago at Bridgeview Stadium. Expect other games to be announced soon.
~ ~ ~ ~
The London Telegraph have a few more words on Chelsea playing some preseason matches in the USA this summer.
~ ~ ~ ~
Dirk Kuyt of Feyenoord has been named the Netherlands Footballer Of The Year.
~ ~ ~ ~
CUP MANIA:
The UEFA Champions League Semifinals are upon us:
Tuesday:
Milan 0-1 Barcelona - Milan started out strong, but Barca got lucky and held it scoreless until their midfield and strikers turned it on. It should have been more than 0-1, but that's life. The away goal could be huge. Ronaldinho was amazing, of course. See the second leg April 26 on Setanta & ESPN Deportes at 1:30pm central.
Wednesday:
Arsenal 1-0 Villarreal - Defender Kolo Toure scored in a goal mouth scramble to give the Arse the Edge. It also gives Arsenal a 9th straight match in the Champs League without giving up a goal. Amazing. See the second leg April 25 on ESPN2 at 1:30pm central.
-Rob Hughes of the International Herald Tribune with his view on the Arse-Villa match: A first goal for Touré on a last night for Highbury
-The Grand Finale will be played May 17 at Stade de France in Paris.
~ ~ ~ ~
French Cup Semifinals are today:
Olympique Marseille v Stade Rennes
Nantes v Paris Saint Germaine
-The final is April 29
~ ~ ~ ~
The UEFA Cup Semifinals tonight (with return legs on the 27th):
Steaua v Middlesbrough
Schalke v Sevilla
-The final will be May 10 in Eindhoven.
~ ~ ~ ~
Tonight is last night of the Copa Libertadores group grope stage, and there is only 1 precious spot left to be filled for the round of 16!! Here are the games and scores:
Apr 18
Universitario 1-1 Rocha FC - Grupo 5
Vélez Sarsfield 2-2 Liga Dep. Universitaria - Grupo 5
Pumas UNAM 1-1 Nacional - Grupo 6
Internacional 4-0 UA Maracaibo - Grupo 6
Apr 19
Newell's Old Boys 2-0 The Strongest - Grupo 3
Goiás EC 0-0 Unión Española - Grupo 3
Tigres UANL 1-0 Universidad Católica - Grupo 4
Corinthians 3-0 Deportivo Cali - Grupo 4
Apr 20
Chivas Guadalajara - Cienciano - Grupo 1
São Paulo FC - Caracas FC - Grupo 1
River Plate - Libertad - Grupo 8
Paulista FC - El Nacional - Grupo 8
-Who has advanced from the groups to the round of 16:
Group 1 - Chivas Guadalajara & Sao Paulo
Group 2 - Independiente Santa Fe & Estudiantes LP
Group 3 - Goias EC & Newells' Old Boys (who sneak in on goal differential)
Group 4 - Corinthians & UANL Tigres (who also sneak in on goal differential)
Group 5 - Vélez Sarsfield & Liga Dep Universitaria
Group 6 - Internacional & Nacional
Group 7 - Atlético Nacional & Palmeiras
Group 8 - Libertad & ?
-We will have all the details on the knock out stages in a couple of days.
-The last spot left is in group 8 and will be decided tonight with all three remaining teams having a shot: River Plate, El Nacional & Paulista FC - should be a wild night.
-Wednesday Libertadores match recap via Sports Illustrated - two teams moved on to the next round via goal differential alone.
~ ~ ~ ~
English FA Cup Semifinals this weekend:
Chelsea v Liverpool - at Old Trafford on Sat Apr 22 - Unfortunately the only way to see this match is on closed-circuit TV at selected pubs and restaurants. There is a mandatory $20 PER PERSON COVER CHARGE from Setanta! Call your local watering hole to see if they are showing it.
Middlesbrough v West Ham - at Villa Park on Sun April 23 - see it live on FSC at 10am.
-The final will be played at the Millenium Stadium in Cardiff

Red Hot Cleavage News

Jack Bell of the New York Times is riding the wave that says many former New York Cosmos will take over the operations of Red Bull New York. Franz Beckenbauer will be at the helm. The depressing news for fans though is speculation that Red Bull may scrap plans to build the team their own stadium in Harrison. What a shame that would be. Giants stadium and its field turf suck, and a team without its own home is a step backwards. The other serious rumor is that the name "Cosmos" may be used as well.
~ ~ ~ ~
Another rumor say that Dallas striker Carlos Ruiz will be back sooner than expected from injury and will play this week. Would be great to see. I love the little fish.
~ ~ ~ ~
The latest from Kansas City on finding new ownership for the team.
~ ~ ~ ~
Followed immediately by a story saying that due to stadium rebuilding, the team might not have a home for '07.
~ ~ ~ ~
And more from the Cleveland area on a possible new MLS team and stadium there. They are probably in a race with St Louis to get this thing rolling.
~ ~ ~ ~
USA & Hannover defender Steve Cherundolo sends his latest "Postcard from Germany" for USA Today.
~ ~ ~ ~
DaMarcus Beasley gets popped for DUI in Holland. The always alert Big Soccer poster called "johan dersken" wrote this, and I stole it for you.
~ ~ ~ ~
Luis Bueno looks at how Chivas USA are dealing with a week off this early in the season, after that soul-crushing loss to the Galaxy (which gave me gallons of unbridled glee), for MLSnet.
~ ~ ~ ~
Another story from MLSnet says that Dallas coach Colin Clarke and his staff are in Monterrey Mexico today to meet with the staff of their sister club Tigres and see the Libertadores match tonight v Chilean team Catolica.
~ ~ ~ ~
Luis Arroyave of the Chicago Tribune talks to announcing legend Andres Cantor about the World Cup, and of course his "gooooooooooooal" call.
~ ~ ~ ~
MLS is expected to announce tomorrow that Chelsea will take on the league All-Stars in Chicago at Bridgeview Stadium, later this summer.
~ ~ ~ ~
Andrea Canales at ESPN Soccernet looks at Lalas in LaLaLand.
~ ~ ~ ~
Hear a podcast with USA U20 coach Thomas Rongen as he prepares his team for a series of matches in Argentina. His 19 man squad consists of 16 pro's and 3 collegiate's. Remember back a few years when this entire team would have been college players? Its very exciting how this is all changing. The experience these guys gain is incalculable.
~ ~ ~ ~
Mark Zeigler of the San Diego Union Tribune with his excellent weekly column, on the Lalas-Sampson relationship, plus his usual Red Cards, Trophies and Sidelines.
~ ~ ~ ~
I just came across an interview on the FIFA site with Italy & Milan super-centerback Alessandro Nesta. He talks some about the World Cup and his teams opponents.
~ ~ ~ ~
CUP MANIA:
The UEFA Champions League Semifinals are upon us:
Tuesday:
Milan 0-1 Barcelona - Milan started out strong, but Barca got lucky and held it scoreless until their midfield and strikers turned it on. It should have been more than 0-1, but that's life. The away goal could be huge. Ronaldinho was amazing, of course. (second leg on April 26) - see both legs on Setanta & ESPN Deportes at 1:30pm central - or catch a delayed showing on Fox Soccer Channel on Wed at 6pm central
Wednesday:
Villarreal v Arsenal - (second leg on April 25) - see both live on ESPN2 at 1:30pm central
-The Grand Finale will be played May 17 at Stade de France in Paris.
-In player news:
Villarreal will be without BOTH centerbacks - Gonzalo Rodriguez & Juan Manuel Pena are both injured, and keeper Sebastian Viera is suspended.
The Arse may be missing Jose Antonio Reyes, but it wasn't confirmed. A foot injury to Cesc Fabregas will NOT keep him out, but Sol Campbell is out with a broken nose.
-The Arsenal defense of Emmanuel Eboue, Mathieu Flamini, Philippe Senderos & Kolo Toure have not been scored against in 8 straight Champions League matches! That is a record. And quite an unreal feat. Keeper Jens Lehman deserves credit too.
~ ~ ~ ~
And the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Final is Today!!
America v Toluca (0-0 first leg) - this sets the stage at for America to win the cup at home in Mexico City - see the game live at 9pm central on FSC
-They do NOT use the "away goals break ties" rule. All ties will be settled with PK's after extra periods are played.
-The winner plays in the FIFA World Club Championship next December in Japan.
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French Cup Semifinals:
The matches will be played on April 20
Olympique Marseille v Stade Rennes
Nantes v Paris Saint Germaine
-The final is April 29
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The UEFA Cup Semifinals:
Played on 4-20 and 4-27
Steaua v Middlesbrough
Schalke v Sevilla
-The final will be May 10 in Eindhoven.
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This will be the last week of the Copa Libertadores Group mathces, and there are only 4 spots in the round of 16 left to be filled!! Here are the games and scores:
Apr 18
Universitario 1-1 Rocha FC - Grupo 5
Vélez Sarsfield 2-2 Liga Dep. Universitaria - Grupo 5
Pumas UNAM 1-1 Nacional - Grupo 6
Internacional 4-0 UA Maracaibo - Grupo 6
Apr 19
Newell's Old Boys - The Strongest - Grupo 3
Goiás EC - Unión Española - Grupo 3
Tigres UANL - Universidad Católica - Grupo 4
Corinthians - Deportivo Cali - Grupo 4
Apr 20
Chivas Guadalajara - Cienciano - Grupo 1
São Paulo FC - Caracas FC - Grupo 1
River Plate - Libertad - Grupo 8
Paulista FC - El Nacional - Grupo 8
-Who has advanced from the groups to the round of 16:
Group 1 - Chivas Guadalajara & Sao Paulo
Group 2 - Independiente Santa Fe & Estudiantes LP
Group 3 - Goias EC & ?
Group 4 - ? & ?
Group 5 - Vélez Sarsfield & Liga Dep Universitaria
Group 6 - Internacional & Nacional
Group 7 - Atlético Nacional & Palmeiras
Group 8 - Libertad & ?
-We will have all the details on the knock out stages in a couple of days.
-Libertadores' Tuesday match recap via Sports Illustrated - more teams move on to the next round.

Don't Get Scared Off By News

Many articles today on Alexi Lalas leaving Red Bull New York to replace the deceased Doug Hamilton as President of Los Angeles Galaxy:
-Graham Jones of the LA Times, obviously.
-Luis Bueno of the Press Enterprise in Southern California
-Nick Green of the Carson Daily Breeze in Southern California
-Larry Morgan of the LA Daily News
-Michael Lewis of Big Apple Soccer says that one possible scenario has Franz Beckenbauer putting his bobo's in charge of the team. Lewis also says that coach Mo Johnston already figures he is dead meat.
-Ives Galarcep of the North Jersey Herald wonders if the Lalas departure is just the first of many more in-house changes.
-Frank Giase of the Newark Star Ledger
-Frank Dellapa of the Boston Globe has written quite a bit already this season about the new ownership in New York. He continues today with a post-Alexi Lalas look.
-You can listen to the Galaxy's entire "Introducing our new team President Alexi Lalas" press conference, via MLSnet.
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Got a short email from Jack Bell of the New York Times: it's going to be cosmos-lite, with a jolt out here. more on wednesday. He is such a tease.
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And in other Red Bulls news, they have already pulled the grass out of Giants Stadium, and will go back to playing on field turf. Is all this hype and good will just a short term mirage?
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Jimmy Conrad can do more than just play excellent center back for Kansas City & The USA. He can also write like a demon, and his monthly column for ESPNSoccernet is always Mucho Grande! Read the new one here.
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LA's Cornell Glen has been named MLS Player of the Week after scoring 2 goals in the win over Chivas. He should give this award to Landon Donovan for setting him up with such easy goals.
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We finally get our first glimpse at some details of a possible new MLS team in St Louis.
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Jeff Bradley's First XI this week is a conversation with Colorado keeper Joe Cannon.
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Yanks Abroad has a small update on USA & Charlton defender Jonathan Spector's shoulder separation injury.
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Houston Chronicle's Week In Review
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Andrea Canales of Soccer 365 on potential fan stupidity in the stands as the sport grows here in America: How Far is Too Far?
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Midfielder Danny Szetela of Columbus will be out until mid-June after breaking a foot in the game v Chicago last Saturday.
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Yesterday I called one of the other Columbus midfielders "Tubby" Rozental. It's not a term of endearment. He looks like the Michelin Man meets Stephen Stills on a bender with David Crosby. Today MLSnet writes the story of the man's lack of fitness.
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Our main man Demko brings us an interview with Minnesota Thunder coach Amos Magee via my beloved Blue Sky Soccer.
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Soccer America takes a look at the MLS #2 man Ivan Gazidis.
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Word on the new Chicago stadium in Bridgeview: Banners and (hanging) flags from general fans coming to matches is ACTIVELY ENCOURAGED by the team and stadium. JG specifically said to us that any wall space that isn't occupied by LED panels he wants to see filled with fans' flags and banners at every game just like at the US-England match last year. (I poached this from a Big Soccer posting by Murtaugh)
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Rob Hughes of the International Herald Tribune says it's all about the Champions League these days: Soccer: Around the globe, still the champion
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Phillip Cocu of PSV absolutely embarrassed NAC Breda last weekend with a goal from right on the midfield stripe. It was gorgeous! See it here, from the PSV site.
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Sadly, it looks like Alan Shearer's long and prosperous career has ended on a badly-injured-knee note. He blew out some ligaments on Saturday while his team was destroying Sunderland 4-1. Long live the king of goals!
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Today it is - The Champions League Semifinals begin:
Tuesday:
Milan v Barcelona - (second leg on April 26) - see both legs on Setanta & ESPN Deportes at 1:30pm central - or catch a delayed showing on Fox Soccer Channel on Wed at 6pm central
Wednesday:
Villarreal v Arsenal - (second leg on April 25) - see both live on ESPN2 at 1:30pm central
-The Grand Finale will be played May 17 at Stade de France in Paris.
-In player news:
Villarreal will be without BOTH centerbacks - Gonzalo Rodriguez & Juan Manuel Pena are both injured, and keeper Sebastian Viera is suspended.
Barca will be without Henrik Larsson & Lionel Messi via injury, and Deco from suspension.
The Arse may be missing Jose Antonio Reyes, but it wasn't confirmed. A foot injury to Cesc Fabregas will keep him out, and Sol Campbell is out with a broken nose.
Milan will be missing Pippo Inzaghi who is ill.
-The Arsenal defense of Emmanuel Eboue, Mathieu Flamini, Philippe Senderos & Kolo Toure have not been scored against in 8 straight Champions League matches! That is a record. And quite an unreal feat. Keeper Jens Lehman deserves credit too.
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And the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Final is Wednesday!!
America v Toluca (0-0 first leg) - this sets the stage at for America to win the cup at home in Mexico City - see the game live at 9pm central on FSC
-They do NOT use the "away goals break ties" rule. All ties will be settled with PK's after extra periods are played.
-The winner plays in the FIFA World Club Championship next December in Japan.
~ ~ ~ ~
This will be the last week of Copa Libertadores Group stage play!! Here are the final matches and scores:
Apr 18
Universitario - Rocha FC - Grupo 5
Vélez Sarsfield - Liga Dep. Universitaria - Grupo 5
Pumas UNAM - Nacional - Grupo 6
Internacional - UA Maracaibo - Grupo 6
Apr 19
Newell's Old Boys - The Strongest - Grupo 3
Goiás EC - Unión Española - Grupo 3
Tigres UANL - Universidad Católica - Grupo 4
Corinthians - Deportivo Cali - Grupo 4
Apr 20
Chivas Guadalajara - Cienciano - Grupo 1
São Paulo FC - Caracas FC - Grupo 1
River Plate - Libertad - Grupo 8
Paulista FC - El Nacional - Grupo 8
-Who has advanced from the groups to the round of 16:
Group 1 - Chivas Guadalajara & Sao Paulo
Group 2 - Independiente Santa Fe & Estudiantes LP
Group 3 - Goias EC
Group 4 -
Group 5 - Vélez Sarsfield & Liga Dep Universitaria
Group 6 -
Group 7 - Atlético Nacional & Palmeiras
Group 8 - Libertad
-We will have all the details on the knock out stages in a couple of days.