Some Soccer News for Jul 21, 2016

It's Day 203 of 2016.


US Open Cup Quarterfinals:

• Brad Knighton of NER saved PKs by Sebastien Le Toux and CJ Sapong of Philly after Added Extra Time ended tied 1-1.

• The last non-MLS team, Fort Lauderdale, was easily ousted by Chicago.

• Dallas was the only road winner, with Fabian Castillo scoring in the 90th min.

• LA trailed twice before pulling out the win with 2 late goals by Sebastian Lleget.

-Wed Jul 20
New England Revolution 1-1 Philadelphia Union - NER advances 4-2 in Penalty Kick Shootout.
Chicago Fire 3-0 Fort Lauderdale Strikers
Houston Dynamo 0-1 Dallas
LA Galaxy 4-2 Seattle Sounders

The draw was held this morning for the Semifinal matches:
-Tue Aug 9
New England Revolution v Chicago Fire
-Wed Aug 10
LA Galaxy v Dallas

• Both games will be shown on the ESPN Networks, details TBA.

dN

The extreme heat did not help.... But:

• Minnesota United 0-4 Bournemouth - Oof!

• Minnesota held strong and had two great scoring opportunities, but a water break stopped their momentum and it was all Bournemouth after that.

• I personally witnessed the worst Own Goal I have ever seen. We have all seen blunders on TV, but my own two eyes witnessed this one. Minnesota goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock literally threw the ball into his own goal. Literally. -0-3 at half time

• Both teams brought out completely different 11's in the 2nd half.

• Minnesota showed that they do have depth as the 2nd 11 contained some very good players and held their own until a late mistake cost them 1 more goal against.

I guarantee that come Saturday night when Sammy Ndjock takes to the field for Minnesota against Fort Lauderdale at NSC Stadium he is gonna get one helluva welcome from the hardcores of the Dark Clouds and True North Elite! Sammy, we got yer back.

Sammy Ndjock and Minnesota United decided to embrace the madness - blame it on sticky Jelly!

PSA: always wait at least 30 minutes after eating jelly sandwiches before hitting the pitch... #BlameItOnTheJelly pic.twitter.com/sGDKxfvLNE

— Minnesota United FC (@MNUnitedFC) July 21, 2016

dN

This whole Jason Kreis coaching Orlando thing could have a big pay off. By Brian Strauss of Sports Illustrated.

dN

The excellent Weekly MLS awards by Alejandro Moreno of ESPNFC. [VIDEO]

dN

Copa Libertadores Finals:

• The 1st Leg ended tied 1-1. Here are highlights from the game. From Fox Sports. [VIDEO]

-Wed Jul 20
Independiente del Valle (ECU) 1-1 Atletico Nacional (COL)
-Wed Jul 27
Atletico Nacional (COL) v Independiente del Valle (ECU)

dN

Did you like the TV show Louie? How about Baskets? If yes, then get ready for a third Louis CK production on FX. "Better Things" premiers on Sep 8, starring Pamela Adlon who had an excellent recurring role on Louie.

• Check out this trailer for Better Things.

dN

Testing of the proposed Video Assistant Referee system is underway in New Jersey. By Wayne Epps Jr of the New York Times.

dN

A very interesting conversation with Umberto Gandini the general manager of AC Milan. They talk Milan, money, Serie A and MLS. By Stanley Kay of Sports Illustrated.

dN

A little Copa MX last night too, and I have 2 things to say:

• 1. Again Miguel Ibarra did NOT play for Leon. He was on the bench... Get him the hell out of there! Please! Someone! Save Batman.

• 2. Paul Arriola scored the game winner for Tijuana, but that is not the story - the story is that SIX Americans started for Tijuana. Holy Smokes! SIX. Goalkeeper Carlos Lopez, defenders Michael Orozco and John Requejo, midfielder Alejandro Guido, and forwards Arriolo and Amando Moreno!

dN

FYI: Freddy Adu has come on as a late game sub in the last two Tampa Bay Rowdies games. These are his first appearances of the season.



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